diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-04 12:51:33 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-04 12:51:33 -0800 |
| commit | d7a414de0cf789134b6480d6147d9072c5581845 (patch) | |
| tree | 766a0a2a328b5231346b4287711402330155d159 | |
| parent | 78b558ac754d72ee9054e7865161372cbb5740a6 (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-8.txt | 4993 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-8.zip | bin | 106785 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-h.zip | bin | 334386 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-h/63957-h.htm | 5219 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 99874 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-h/images/front.jpg | bin | 98093 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/63957-h/images/titlepage.jpg | bin | 25353 -> 0 bytes |
10 files changed, 17 insertions, 10212 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..76e21c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #63957 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/63957) diff --git a/old/63957-8.txt b/old/63957-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 26c6616..0000000 --- a/old/63957-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4993 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Salem Belle: A Tale of 1692, by Ebenezer Wheelwright - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Salem Belle: A Tale of 1692 - -Author: Ebenezer Wheelwright - -Release Date: December 4, 2020 [EBook #63957] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SALEM BELLE: A TALE OF 1692 *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Charlene Taylor, Martin -Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive/American -Libraries.) - - - - - - -+-------------------------------------------------+ -|Transcriber's note: | -| | -|Obvious typographic errors have been corrected. | -| | -+-------------------------------------------------+ - - -THE SALEM BELLE: - - -A Tale of 1692. - - -BOSTON: - -TAPPAN & DENNET, - -114 Washington Street. - -1842. - - -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by -TAPPAN & DENNET, -In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of -Massachusetts. - - -{ Printed by S. N. Dickinson, } -{ 52 Washington Street. } - - - - -INTRODUCTION. - - -The following letter addressed to the author, will explain the -circumstances which led to the publication of this little work. - - - Cumberland County, Va., July, 1841. - - DEAR SIR: - - In compliance with your request, I now send you a manuscript which - contains all the material circumstances of a remarkable legend, - founded on the singular events of 1692. The original chronicle - is lost, but its general features were strongly impressed on - my memory, and I committed them to writing, some years since, - and very soon after the discovery that the first manuscript - was missing. I hope you will be able to make such use of these - materials, as shall expose the danger of popular delusions, and - guard the public mind against their recurrence. It is too late to - revive the folly of witchcraft, but other follies are pressing on - the community,--fanaticism in various ways is moulding the public - feeling into unnatural shapes, and shadowing forth a train of - undefined evils, whose forms of mischief are yet to be developed. - In this state of things, our true wisdom is to take counsel of - the past, and not suffer ourselves to be led astray by bold and - startling theories, which can only waste the mental energies, - and make shipwreck of the mind itself on some fatal rock of - superstition or infidelity. - - It is an age of boasted liberty and light, but it may well be - doubted whether these high pretensions are any powerful defence - against popular mistakes. It often happens that the moral plague - spot is first seen in the walks of science. It was so in the days - which this manuscript commemorates: men renowned for talents and - learning gave countenance to a delusion which swept over the land, - and will be known in all coming ages by its track of blood and - death. - - I am not opposed to innovations upon any vicious principle or - habit whatsoever. I have no respect for any venerable theory, - unless its claims are supported by the Bible and common sense; but - how often is that noble edifice of Truth, which the Bible reveals - to our eye, deformed by the additions and inventions of men! The - Catholic church has for ages thrown up its battlements and towers - on the heavenly structure; but these imagined ornaments have only - marred its beauty, and hidden its real grandeur from the eye. - Other sects have attempted to improve upon the divine Architect; - and thus it has happened that the cumbrous scaffolding has fallen, - and buried multitudes in its ruins. But if this Temple had been - permitted to stand in its own native simplicity, its perfect - symmetry, its unrivalled strength and glory, not one of the - countless millions who have sought its mysteries would have thus - miserably perished. - - The elements of delusion always exist in the human mind. Sometimes - they slumber for years, and then break forth with volcanic energy, - spreading ruin and desolation in their path. Even now the distant - roar of these terrible agents comes with confused and ominous - sound on the ear. What form of mischief they will assume is among - the mysteries of the future;--that desolation will follow in - their train, no one can doubt; that they will purify the moral - atmosphere, and throw up mighty land-marks as guides to future - ages, is equally certain; the evil or good which shall be the - final result, depends, under Providence, on the measure of wisdom - we may gather from the lessons of the past. - - With sincere regard, - - Yours truly, - - J. N. L. - - -The foregoing letter speaks for itself; and in conformity to the -writer's suggestions, we shall now introduce to our readers the new -scenes and hitherto unknown actors in that fatal tragedy, which stains -so deeply the history of New England. Follies equally great with those -of the witchcraft delusion may yet infest a land as enlightened and -civilized as ours; and we cannot agree with our friend in the belief -that it is even now too late to revive the same superstition, though -its madness may not, as then, terminate in blood. Not more than twelve -years since, this same delusion existed in a neighboring state, and -within a few miles of its metropolis; numbers visited the spot, and to -this day believe that invisible and mysterious agencies controlled the -movements of individuals and families. - -It is the object of the following pages to hold up the beacons of the -past, and in this connection to illustrate the social condition, the -habits, manners, and general state of New England, in these early days -of its history. We love to contemplate the piety and simplicity, while -we deplore the superstition of those times. Much of the former still -remains to challenge our admiration and excite our gratitude; the -latter, we trust, is passing away. Our fathers were not faultless, but -as a community, a nobler race was never seen on the globe: they were -indeed in some degree superstitious and intolerant, but far less so -than even the brilliant circles of wealth and fashion they left behind, -in their father land; and it will be well for their sons, if they do -not stumble over worse delusions, and fall into more fatal errors, than -those of their primitive ancestors. - - - - -THE SALEM BELLE. - - - - -CHAPTER FIRST. - - -That beautiful spot, now known as Mount Auburn, was formerly covered -by a forest, which in the early days of New England was the scene of -many a startling incident and wild adventure; the wolf howled in its -thickets, and the wild cat issuing from its borders, found an easy -prey among the flocks of the neighboring farmers: on this account, the -utmost skill and energy of the colonists were often taxed, to save -their property from pillage and destruction. The young men of those -times were bold and expert in the chase, and stimulated by rewards -offered by the colony, they often pursued their game many miles from -Boston, and seldom returned without trophies of their skill and -success. In this way, the vicinity of the town was soon cleared of -these scourges of newer and less populous settlements. At the period of -our narrative, however, the race of wild animals was not extinct, and -the chase was kept up as one of the most agreeable and salutary sports -which the austerity of those days would permit. - -It was a fine evening in September, 1691, when two young men, who -had been engaged all day with a company of sportsmen, were returning -leisurely home on horseback. They were both members of Harvard college, -room mates and intimate friends. They lingered a mile or two behind -their associates, and though travelling after dark was not very safe in -those days, yet the beauty of the evening tempted them to loiter, and -possibly they were not unwilling to encounter some little adventure, -to make up for a dull and unsuccessful chase. At any rate, their -conversation was sufficiently interesting to detain them awhile on the -road. - -'Have you heard from your cousin Mary of late?' said James Lyford to -his companion. - -'Why do you ask that question? I have no such cousin as you refer to,' -replied his friend. - -'I have heard you call her cousin Mary,' said James, 'and it was fair -to judge from your manner of speaking, that she bore this relation to -you.' - -'Cousin,' replied Walter, 'is a name that belongs to every body or -nobody, as the case may be. It is a very convenient term, and affords -a good house to shelter in, when you are bored with questions. I have -forty such cousins as Mary.' - -'Then you have forty such houses to shelter in,' said Lyford. 'Verily, -Walter, you will have no want of inns on the road to matrimony.' - -'Forty inns are none too many for a road that promises to be so long, -as the one you think I am travelling. To be serious, Lyford, I wish -you would let me alone about Mary. She is beautiful and good, but I -dare not marry in this Puritan land. I must not reside here; and much -as I love Mary Graham, I can never take her to the lighter habits and -frivolous scenes of licentious France. You are aware that my parents -have left Virginia for Paris; that city must be my home. I must grapple -with its temptations, perhaps fall under their power; but duty, honor, -nay love itself forbid me to take Mary to its blighting influences. -But why talk of such subjects? I am but twenty-one years old and this -passion of love, the wise heads say, is not to be depended on; my own -feelings may change. And now, Lyford, you have the reasons why Mary -Graham must still be my cousin.' - -'You speak like a philosopher, nay like a Christian too. I hope your -practice will correspond with your precepts, and that you will be -careful not to overact the cousin, in your intercourse with Mary. If -the cousin in speech becomes the lover in practice and example, it may -wake a responsive affection in her own heart, and if so, she cannot -quench it, as you may, among the gayeties of Paris. It may fade the -bloom on her cheek and quench the light in her eye; but it cannot, like -yours, be overcome by excitement abroad, or change at home.' - -'Your remarks are very just,' said Walter; 'but why speak in this tone -of warning? think you, Lyford, I would trifle with her feelings? I have -no evidence that she returns my love; and do you pretend to see ought -that is reprehensible in my conduct?' - -'Yes, Walter; and if your purposes are not serious in the matter, you -ought not to persist in those attentions, which clearly indicate your -love to her, and may produce similar feelings on her part. You deceive -yourself in this affair, and, it may be, you are deceiving her also. -Love is always in advance of the judgment, and you speak like one -little acquainted with its snares.' - -'And what right have you,' replied Walter, 'to catechise me after this -fashion? It is one of your worst faults, Lyford, that you see every -thing in a dark and suspicious form. As to Mary, she never suspected me -of anything but friendship and good will. She does not love me. Would -to heaven she did! Were it not for the fatal dislike of my parents to -this Puritan race, I would rather live with Mary Graham on a mountain -fastness, or in the solitude of the desert, than to occupy, without -her, the throne of England or France; but my filial duties interpose, -and the stern demands of such parents as mine must not be disregarded.' - -'Your purposes on this point must be settled,' said Lyford, 'and I must -catechise you till they are. I know not that Mary loves you. I hope she -never will, until you are so fully sensible of her value and your duty, -as to consult her interests in the case, as much at least as your own. -If you seek to gratify your vanity, by securing her love, when the -obstacles to your union are not to be overcome; then your principles -are not firm enough for me, and your friendship is no longer of any -value.' - -'Ought I to deny myself the pleasure of her society,' returned Walter, -'because the severity of Puritan habits imposes so many restraints, and -is so rigid in its inquiries, and exact in its demands? I hope this -people, in the march of improvement, will learn to be a little more -liberal. You are too severe yourself, Lyford, and all the innocent -gayeties of life look to you, as so many clouds between us and heaven.' - -'Religion is not severe in her demands,' said Lyford, 'and if she -appears so to you, Walter, it is because you invest her with false -attributes, and view her through a false medium. Mary Graham is a -sincere Christian; her cheerfulness of character you will readily -admit; it is a thing of nature, and never runs into excess. She has -often had occasion to rebuke the frivolous and turn back the current of -levity and folly, and she never shrinks from her duty in this respect, -as you well know. I should be sorry to believe any one could command -her love, who is not governed by a principle of true religion; and -I must add, Walter, if you fail in this point, I hope you will never -possess her love.' - -'Whence, Lyford, pray tell me, whence this strange interest on -your part in Mary? do you mean to stand between us and tell her I -am unworthy of her love? You well know I believe in the reality of -religion, and reverence it too; you know my character, and cannot -suspect me of dishonor. What does all this mean?' - -'I mean to put you on your guard, Walter. I can only repeat what I have -already said, that your present position and prospects do not warrant -you in lavishing upon Mary so many proofs of your love. The course you -are pursuing is unjust to her and unjust to yourself. I think you now -understand me.' - -'I do not understand,' said Walter, 'by what right you prescribe my -duties, and undertake to regulate my social intercourse. It would seem -to me, to be more wise to mind your own affairs, and let mine alone.' - -'And why should I let yours alone, when they interfere with mine? Is it -your privilege alone, Walter, to love Mary? Why may I not love her as -well as you? She is not less the object of my regard than yours. Mary -Graham is more dear to me than I can express. There is no one on earth -I love so well. Moreover, she returns my love, and of this I can give -you the most unequivocal proofs.' - -'Now, I have it,' replied the indignant Walter; 'you mean to supplant -me in Mary's love, and all this parade of friendship and religion is -a mere artifice to cover your own selfish designs. Lyford, you are -playing the hypocrite and the villain.' - -'Tell me not thus,' said Lyford calmly. 'Much as I love Mary, I shall -not stand in your way. Could I see, Walter, that to all your other -virtues, you added that of sincere piety towards God, I should rejoice -to see you together at the nuptial altar, and my prayers would go up -with yours, that it might be a blessed union.' - -'I do not understand you, Lyford: you say I must desist from my -attentions to Mary, till my purposes are settled. When I ask why -you interfere, you tell me, it is on account of your own love, and -then, with strange inconsistency, you add, that, if I was a sincere -Christian, you would rejoice in our union. Why do you thus perplex and -mislead me?' - -'All I have said is true, Walter: the lady you have known by the -name of Mary Graham, is the beloved sister of your friend Lyford. It -must remain a secret, and you must, on no account, divulge it. Do you -now wonder at my love? do you object to my counsels and cautions? -This dear sister is not the relative of Mr. Ellerson, with whom she -resides. She is my only sister, the grand-child of Gen. Goffe, and was -the little companion and solace of his last days. At his death, it was -deemed expedient that, under this assumed name, she should reside with -her friends at Salem. You have now the cause of my suggestions and -warnings. Will you not say they are reasonable and right?' - -'You have indeed opened my eyes. Pardon me, oh Lyford! that angry burst -of passion which denounced my best friend. It was love to your sister -that prompted my wrath; and I must have the forgiveness of her brother, -before I can quietly rest.' - -'It is forgiven,' said Lyford, seizing the hand of his friend, and -together, in silence and tears, they dismounted at the college gate and -entered the hall just at the commencement of evening prayers. - - - - -CHAPTER SECOND. - - -Walter Strale was of German descent; his parents, as we have seen, -resided for a time in Virginia, and it was during this period that -Walter was born. When he was about fourteen years of age, his father -determined to remove to France, and establish a mercantile house in -Paris. Mr. Strale, however, was unwilling to educate his son in that -gay metropolis; and though by no means strict in matters of religion, -he felt a deep solicitude that the morals of his child might be -preserved. It was at one time his purpose to leave him in Virginia, -among some highly valued and judicious friends; but as the means of -education were very imperfect in that region, he wisely determined -to send him to Boston, where he knew his studies would be carefully -superintended, and his morals effectually guarded. - -It was difficult, after all, to understand fully the motives of Mr. -Strale, in sending his son to so rigid a school of morals. He was a -high churchman, and had a thorough contempt for what he called the -superstitions and austerities of the Puritans. It is probable the -extremely volatile temper of Walter made it necessary to place him -under careful restraints and a rigid discipline, and Mr. Strale, who -was a man of excellent sense, perceiving the advantages of a New -England education, was willing, for the sake of its fidelity, to -overlook its seeming bigotry and austerity; for with all his contempt -for the Puritan sect, he was ready to acknowledge, that on the score of -integrity and good morals, no people on earth could rival them. - -On the morning of the twenty-fourth of June, 1685, Walter embarked at -James River, on board the _Sea Gull_, a beautiful schooner, under the -command of Capt. Wing, who was a shrewd trader, as well as a skilful -seaman, and had for some time past kept up a regular intercourse -between Virginia and the New England colonies. He was of course well -known to Mr. Strale, who was entirely satisfied in committing Walter -to his care. Mrs. Strale was careful to furnish, her son with every -convenience and luxury which maternal care could provide, and his -father sent with him a negro servant, named Pompey, the most faithful -of all his domestics, and who might in an important sense be called the -steward of his house: he presided over sundry departments of domestic -economy, and no one on the plantation was more jealous of his rights, -or displayed in a higher degree, the pride and authority of station; -yet Pompey professed to be a thorough democrat, and insisted that -all men were born free and equal: he could never solve the problems -and mathematics of slavery, yet as he required the strict obedience -of those under his control, he thought it no more than right to be -submissive, in his turn, to the mandates and discipline of his master. - -Pompey's theory of universal liberty exposed him to much censure from -his fellow slaves, for he was in fact a tyrant on as large a scale -as circumstances would permit. Whenever he had a chance to exercise -his love of power, Pompey assumed the kingly prerogative, and claimed -for his opinions the supremacy of law; if any one questioned his -authority, or chose to plead his natural rights, Pompey assured him -that democracy always consulted the general good, and as power must -reside somewhere, it was natural to suppose that he who possessed it -knew best how and when it was proper to exercise it. - -There was another circumstance which gave Pompey a little extra -consequence: in consideration of his fidelity, he was assured that if -he continued faithful till Master Walter was educated, he should then -receive his freedom. This period was now approaching, and he thought -it no harm to take a little of his future liberty in advance; but he -often misjudged in regard to the extent of his privilege, and was of -course subjected to some slight rebukes, which occasionally left marks -on his person, not at all to his credit. If there was any thing to -which Pompey had a mortal aversion, it was to the cane or the lash: -not, as he said, that he minded the pain,--but they always disfigured a -gentleman, and his freedom would not be worth having, if he carried on -his person such tokens of his vassalage and debasement. - -The first impressions of a sea life are uniformly disagreeable. The -pleasant dreams which gather over the mind, in its views of distant -countries, changing latitudes, and the thousand forms of beauty which -flit through the air, or skim over the water, are dispelled by a -single hour's experience, and perish at the first touches of reality. -It was so with Strale. He had no proper notion of the unsettled life -of a sailor: the splendid visions which hung over the future, were -soon scattered by the fatal sea-sickness, and the retreating phantoms -thronged around the scenes of home, and invested every locality with -the same beauty which at first beckoned him away; but there was no hope -of return: the fine southern breezes were wafting him to a strange -land, of which he had few correct notions, and whose customs and -habits, however repugnant to his feelings, must be adopted as his own. - -For two days our little hero was struggling with all the demons of -sea-sickness, homesickness, and the remembrances of past enjoyments; -but his mind was too buoyant to continue long under this depression. On -the third day he appeared on deck; and as the graceful schooner with -fine breezes and under a cloud of canvass was gliding on her path, the -bright and the beautiful again adorned the prospect, and restored the -pleasures which had been so suddenly and rudely dispersed. He was now -able to climb the mast, and take his post on its highest elevation. -Walter was always on the look-out for adventure, and the novelties of -the sea began to occupy his mind, and invest the objects around him -with unwonted attractions. Moreover, Capt. Wing, like other seamen, -was graphic in his descriptions of hair-breadth escapes, and was never -at a loss for some real or invented tale of wonders. This was an -unfailing source of amusement, and Walter listened to his narratives -with enthusiasm and delight: he longed for some experience in the same -school; he wished to be familiar with dangers, to conquer whatever -element might oppose him, and to be in all respects the master of his -own destiny. - -'There is no character like that of a sailor, Walter,' said Capt. Wing, -as they were sitting together near the companion-way, after dinner; 'he -is a cook, a seamstress, a washwoman, a gentleman, a philosopher, and -an astronomer.' - -'You judge from your own crew,' said Walter, 'for you have trained -them to all these different characters; but as to the mass of seamen, -you might safely add, they are spendthrifts, drunkards, and fools.' - -'You are an ignorant boy, Strale. Do you not know there are as many -spendthrifts, rowdies, and scoundrels, on shore, in proportion to their -numbers, as on the sea? They have a better chance to keep out of sight, -and there is a little more refinement in their vices; but after all, -the sailor has more good qualities to counterbalance his bad ones: -he is grievously slandered by all sorts of men; as a body they are -faithful, obedient, patient and generous, and when you take into view -their sufferings and temptations, it is wonderful they do so well.' - -'The name of a sailor was once full of terror to me,' returned Walter, -'for in every narrative of piracy I have read, they are fearful agents, -and seem to commit murder with as little scrapie as if it were lawful -business.' - -'So you have judged of the sailor's character from the worst portraits -you can find. This is not fair, Walter: if you take this method with -landsmen, you will dread them as much as you do the sailor. What do -you think of those land pirates, who decoy seamen into their dens of -wickedness, and then turn them houseless and penniless upon the world? -There are good and bad in all classes: when you are older, you will do -justice to the sailor.' - -'I would do it now, Capt. Wing. My judgment was hasty and my language -rash; my observation must be more extended before I can be a competent -judge in this matter; but in the variety of character you have given -the sailor, you have placed things so much at opposites, that I must -ask you to unriddle the paradox.' - -'The necessities of the sailor,' returned Capt. Wing, 'have made -him a little of every thing. You can well enough understand why he -acts the tailor or the cook, but you cannot connect these humble -offices with the higher qualities of the gentleman and philosopher. -Now here is Le Moine--our French steward; no one can be more skilful -in his office, and yet that lad can tell you the name of every -prominent constellation, and with the proper instruments he can -measure his latitude with unfailing accuracy. The same is true of -many other seamen, upon whom a careless observer might turn an eye of -indifference or contempt. But look, Walter! the clouds are heaving up -in the west; we shall have a thunder squall, and you will now see how -the Sea Gull dances on the water. That is the black flag,' continued -Wing, addressing Roberts, the mate; 'there are pirates in the clouds -as well as on the water, and old Neptune gets all the plunder; but the -wind is fair, and we can run half an hour before we are overhauled.' - -'It grows dark already, and the wind lulls,' said Roberts; 'this -sky-scraper will board us directly.' - -'Let him come,' said Wing; 'he is one of my old acquaintance, but his -dress is darker than usual, and he looks more rough and surly than is -his wont.' - -The wind had now died away, and there was a perfect calm on the water; -the Sea Gull was flapping her wings, but had no onward motion. In a -few moments the cloud suddenly expanded, and stretched a curtain of -terrific blackness from the western limit of the horizon to the extreme -north; the air was now excessively sultry, and an ominous silence and -gloom hung over the water; it was presently interrupted by a sharp -flash of lightning, followed by a deafening peal of thunder. 'Get up -the chain, Mr. Roberts,' said Wing; 'the lightning will soon be in -chase of us, and we must throw it overboard.' The chain was instantly -run up to the mast head, and its lower extremity hung over the -tafferel; the sails were furled, except the foresail, which was closely -reefed, and under a light breeze the schooner again made some headway. - -The whole atmosphere was now veiled in blackness, and as if conscious -that some terrible convulsion was at hand, the crew of the schooner -stood at their posts in perfect silence, while Capt. Wing paced the -deck, with that hurried and tremulous motion, which indicated the -anxiety that oppressed him. A few drops of rain now fell on the deck -and the surrounding ocean. Another and more vivid gleam of lightning, -followed by rapid and still fiercer flashes, announced that the crisis -was at hand. The next moment the little Sea Gull was enveloped in a -blaze of lurid fire, and she staggered under a shock, which but for the -chain at the mast head, would have sent her to the bottom; at the same -moment, the roar of the hurricane was heard in the distance, and before -the panic occasioned by the lightning had subsided, the foresail was -torn from the bolt ropes, and scattered in shreds upon the sea,--and -in a cloud of tempest and foam, the Sea Gull was rushing through the -water, at the rate of ten knots per hour. The sea and sky were now -mingled together in wild and terrible uproar; the constant blaze of -lightning, the rapid peals of thunder, the trembling and creaking of -the schooner as she dashed on her way, presented a scene which startled -and overawed even her daring and experienced commander. But the crisis -was soon past, and in the course of forty minutes the violence of the -squall was over, and before sunset the Sea Gull, with no other damage -than the loss of her foresail, was gliding over the water, with a -pleasant breeze from the south. - -'I am willing to grapple with anything but lightning,' said Wing, -'thanks to the chain we sent up; but for that, Walter, we should have -slept to night in the ocean.' - -'I must go beyond second causes, Capt. Wing, for such a wonderful -deliverance as this; our gratitude is due to a higher Power, and I -would never forget it.' - -'A sailor's gratitude, Walter, does not often express itself in words, -but its impulses are not the less strong because they are invisible.' - -'They are transient, however,' said Walter, 'and the occasion that -gives them birth is forgotten as a dream. Gratitude must be a steady -principle, and not a blind emotion; its fruits must be visible in the -life.' - -'We sailors,' said Wing, 'are not preachers; we do not study the items -of theology; if we did, we should be poor navigators. You are a boy, -Strale, and have seen little of the world; a few more tramps over its -rough surface, and you will think nothing of these narrow escapes.' - -Walter did not reply, but resting on the tafferel, and casting his eye -over the fading light of a gorgeous sunset, he traced the beautiful -images of a better land, and breathed an earnest prayer that he might -be fitted to enter at last upon its pure and everlasting felicities. - -No other incident of importance occurred, and on the evening of -the third of July, the schooner was moored by the side of a little -island off the harbor of Boston. The boat landed Walter and some of -the crew by the side of a fine rivulet which flowed from the rock. -The quiet evening soon gathered around, and was occupied in grateful -recollections of the past, and bright anticipations of the morrow. The -antiquary may be interested to know that all which remains of that -green spot where Roberts and the young Virginian rambled by moonlight, -may be found in the rocks now called 'the Hardings.' - -At sunrise on the following morning, the fourth of July, the Sea Gull -was again under way. The day was fine, with a clear sky and a soft -southern breeze. The schooner glided among the beautiful islands of the -inner harbor, which were then filled with trees, and vocal with the -songs of birds. It was not, as now, covered by vessels of every name -and from every clime, but along its still waters the little galley with -oars, the fisherman's skiff, and now and then the white pinions of some -taller bark, were seen to move over its silence and solitude; neither -did that halo of glory which now circles the birth-day of freedom -kindle the patriot's ardor; nor did the stripes and stars wave on the -green hills, nor the merry peal of bells go up with the rejoicings of -a liberated nation; yet the elements of all this glory were there, and -many a prophetic eye even then discerned its dawn upon the mystic -horizon of the future. - -As the vessel approached the town, the eye of Walter roamed in delight -among the varied scenery which adorned the prospect. The islands with -their forests, the bay, the blue mountains on the left, were reposing -in the beauty of the morning, and the youthful fancy of Strale threw -around them a thousand visions of future bliss. On the west the tower -of Harvard Hall rose in the distance, shadowing forth that eminence -and literary fame, which have since adorned that noble institution. -In a few moments, the town with its white edifices, the spires of its -churches, its trees and gardens, which had for some time appeared in -beautiful outline, were displayed in distinct groups and figures; and -Walter, who had till then seen only a few scattered habitations, gazed -with intense gratification on the miniature city, as it stretched its -little outposts, its convenient and spacious wharf, its thirty sail of -merchantmen and coasters, and its eight hundred buildings, with all the -attractions of novelty on his eye. - -The beauty of the day, the mild breathings of summer, and the carol -of innumerable birds, were but the emblems of that sublimer glory, -which in after times rested on the birth-day of freedom. The fathers -of those times sleep in the dust. The sons, too, are silent as the -fathers; but on the ears of the third generation the hymn of liberty -poured its strains of gladness, and the name of Washington was borne on -every breeze and enshrined in every patriot's heart. That name will be -revered as long as Virtue herself shall be loved and honored; and in -any future struggle for liberty, his grateful country will interweave -with every fold of her star spangled banner, the beautiful motto: - - - 'He led the fathers and inspires the sons.' - - - - -CHAPTER THIRD. - - -During the passage of the Sea Gull up the harbor, no one seemed to -enjoy the genial influences of the day more than Pompey: there was -something in the very atmosphere, he said, which gave him life and -freedom, and he blessed the good land where a man might speak his mind -without fear of a cuff or a whip. His fancy revelled in new dreams of -liberty, and his exclamations of delight were so frequent and loud, -that Walter at last sent him below. Presently, however, his head peered -above the companion-way, and on his promise of silence and decorum, -Walter permitted him again to come on deck--but it was all in vain. -Pompey was in too warm a glow to keep still, and becoming once more a -little too garrulous, Capt. Wing seized a rope, but before he had a -chance to apply it, Pompey, who saw his purpose, was up the ratlings -and on the cross-trees, where, although he had a better view of the -blessed land, his raptures soon subsided, and he was enabled to keep -silence long enough to insure his safety when he came down. - -The schooner soon reached the wharf, which at that time was the great -depôt of trade and commerce. As Walter passed by the long ranges of -wooden buildings which then occupied the ground, the merry cries of -the market men, the grand display of merchandise, and the bustle of -wagons and carts, formed a scene so full of novelty and attraction, -that he lingered for an hour or more, surveying the different objects -with lively curiosity and interest. Pompey was utterly amazed. 'What -sort of world be this, Massa?' was his exclamation, as he stood at -the termination of King street, from whence, at that time, all the -business part of the town was visible. 'Mind your business, Pompey,' -said Walter, 'and follow me with the luggage; if you stare at this -rate, they will have you up for a vagabond, and with good reason.' -Walter kept on, but in a moment or two, he heard a shout of merriment -and glee, which had the effect of stopping all business within its -circle. Pompey had just met with one of his own color, and when the two -friends rushed together, it caused such an explosion of good nature, -as sent the laugh up and down the street: the idlers came out to gaze, -and a stout drayman, who saw the ludicrous attitude of the two blacks, -tripped them both into the gutter, when Pompey, covered with shame and -choked with dust and passion, rose on his feet and gave the drayman -a violent blow, which nearly felled him to the ground; he was then -seized by an officer and carried to prison on the charge of fighting -in the streets; a serious crime, and one for which the fathers of New -England had provided due punishment, which was usually inflicted in -full measure on the culprit; for the rigid justice of those days was -not often tempered by the mild pleadings of mercy. - -Walter saw how the affair was going, and wishing his servant to have -the full benefit of such a lesson, did not choose to interpose, but -directing a porter to take his luggage, he saw Pompey move off to -prison, with no regret that the ridiculous farce, in which he had -acted, was likely to meet its proper rebuke. On his arrival at the -hotel he was provided with suitable lodgings, and spent the remainder -of the day in walking about town, and viewing the various objects of -interest it contained. - -The morning of the next day was occupied in visiting some of the -gentlemen of the town, to whom Walter was furnished with letters. -Among these were Mr. Stoughton, Judge Sewall, Rev. Mr. Willard, and -Mr. Winthrop, the latter a distinguished practitioner at the bar. He -was welcomed with the warm hospitality of those days, and assured of -their kind offices and best efforts for his welfare. He related to -Mr. Winthrop the affair in King street, between the two Africans, who -caused an immediate examination of the case before a magistrate, which -resulted in the release of Pompey, who followed his master home. His -dream of liberty had by this time nearly vanished, and the poor negro -was deeply concerned at his disgrace. - -'It was a great breach of good manners, Pompey, to make such a noise in -the street and tumble about in the gutter,' said Walter; 'I thought you -intended to act the gentleman.' - -'So I did, Massa, and many is the gentleman I have seen in the gutter, -besides me.' - -'Very well, he is no gentleman while there, especially if he clamors -and fights as you did. That was too vulgar even for a gentleman's -servant, and I was ashamed to have the public see you had not been -better trained.' - -'It is hard to get into jail, Massa, for being so glad to see an old -friend. Is it one of the laws, Massa?' - -'It is every where a law, to pick up vagabonds in the gutter,' said -Walter; 'if you put me to this trouble every day, I shall send you back -to Virginia.' - -'Right glad to go, Massa; homesick enough,' said Pompey. - -'Well, you must get over it, and behave in better fashion for the -future. I am not without hopes, you will learn good manners in due -time. This lesson will help you a little, and so will I, if you will -try to help yourself. I want you now at my lodgings, and will there -show you what you have to do.' - -Pompey followed Walter to the inn, in better spirits; for a word of -encouragement always gave him a glow of happiness, and he tossed his -head with a new sense of his importance, as he entered the hotel to -receive the orders and wait upon the movements of his young master. - -In a few weeks, Walter was received into the family of Mr. Gardner, -a highly respectable merchant, who was a friend and correspondent of -his father. In this situation he was favored with the best literary -advantages and possessed every facility for social enjoyment. He was -committed to the special care of Mr. Cheever, one of the best teachers -New England has ever produced, and made rapid proficiency in his -studies; in less than two years, he was fully prepared for college; -the usual examination was passed with singular credit, and he entered -Harvard University in the year 1688. The social and moral influences -which had surrounded him in Boston had done much to check his too -volatile disposition, and to inspire him with a high respect for the -consistent and exemplary piety which so much prevailed in those days; -he was freely admitted to the best circles, where elegance without -ostentation, cheerfulness without frivolity, and refinement without the -despotism of fashion, were the natural and graceful ornaments of the -social character. - -Walter was not slow in improving the advantages he enjoyed. It is -true, he sometimes thought the bow was bent too long, and that the -demands of religious duty might be somewhat relaxed, yet he had the -good sense to perceive in the state of the community around him, -the best illustration of the excellence and moral force of that -education in which science and religion acted in concert and moulded -the temper and habits by their combined influence. Walter, however, -was not religious in the true sense of the term. His understanding -admitted the excellence of the moral precepts that were taught him, -and his conscience confessed their power. He wanted neither light nor -conviction on the subject, but he had no special love for the strict -requirements of religion and had no experience of its renovating power -on the heart. - -We must now pass over the first years of college life, and pursue the -train of incidents up to the period which introduced our narrative. -Walter had attained his senior year in college, and had proceeded -thus far with credit to himself and the esteem and confidence of his -instructors. He had now reached that period when the character is -rapidly developed, and new forms of good or ill are daily stamped -on its features. At the age of twenty years, with a graceful person, -pleasing manners, and confessedly in the highest literary ranks, his -prospects were too flattering to escape the fears of his friends, that -the temptations of life might prove too strong for his principles; but -those fears were groundless. Although every distinction which wealth or -talents could bestow were at his command, yet Strale was never unduly -elated; there was no affectation of superiority, no arrogant assumption -of rank, no pride of distinction. His whole course at Cambridge had -been marked by a strict regard to his moral and social duties. He had -even declined the personal services of Pompey, who was left in the -family of Mr. Gardner, and chose to perform himself the little drudgery -of college rooms, and to live in commons upon the ordinary college -fare. The uniform kindness of his temper, his liberality to his fellow -students, and his strict regard to every point of order and discipline, -procured for him an enviable and well deserved reputation. - -It was happy for Strale that among his youthful associates he possessed -such a friend as Lyford. It was still more happy that the female -society to which he was introduced, possessed every moral ornament, as -well as the graces of refinement and good breeding. Among the ladies -of New England he found very much to respect and admire. A scrupulous -regard to the delicacy and dignity of the sex was almost universal, -nor is it to be denied, that in personal attractions and all the truly -valuable ornaments of character, they have not been surpassed by any -succeeding generation. - -It is pleasant to call up the beautiful pictures of simplicity and -grace which adorned the dwellings of our ancestors; to look back upon -those groups of maidens, who breathed the air of moral purity, and -bounded in the full tide of health and happiness, over the gardens and -among the forests of this very spot, where the city now spreads its -marts of business, its solid piles of masonry, its 'streets of palaces -and walks of state.' If the beauty of that moral painting was sometimes -marred and defaced, it was as often retouched by many a simple, yet -unconscious artist, and its calm and beautiful outline is still visible -as a blessed vision of the past, and a sure beacon to future eminence -and glory. - -It was common among the students of Harvard College in those days, -with the approbation of the faculty, to make frequent visits to Boston -for purposes of social and religious improvement. This practice was -encouraged in the belief that the early habits of the students would -be formed on the best models, and that the moral feeling which then -prevailed, was just the atmosphere in which they should live and -breathe. The elder Mather, at that time President of the College, -was himself a resident of Boston, and in connection with his College -duties, was pastor of a large congregation in town. The students were, -of course, when in Boston, much under his supervision, and any instance -of misconduct would hardly escape the notice of this vigilant guardian -of the public morals. - -It was at the house of Mr. Hallam, a gentleman of intelligence and -wealth in town, that Strale first met with the young lady whom we must -still call Miss Graham. She was the intimate friend of Miss Caroline -Hallam, a beautiful and accomplished girl of the same age. The early -friendship they had formed was of a character not readily to be -interrupted, and the interchange of visits between Boston and Salem -was kept up, as often as the circumstances of the two friends would -allow. There was, however, a strongly marked difference between the -two young ladies. Miss Graham was sincere, confiding, and transparent -in her character. Miss Hallam was somewhat vain, unusually gay in her -temper, and strongly inclined to suspicion and jealousy; yet these -points of character were not sufficiently developed, to interrupt the -harmony which had prevailed for several years. In the summer of 1690, -at a small musical party at Mr. Hallam's, Walter was first introduced -to Miss Graham, and the sudden and powerful interest she then acquired -in his affections, had never been subdued. From that time, when Mary -was in town, the house of Mr. Hallam was Walter's chosen resort. His -attentions, however, were cautiously shunned, and while she never -failed in all the forms of politeness, there was a manifest reserve -in her manners, which, though it checked his hopes and increased his -respect and admiration, did not at all diminish his love. - -It was not surprising, however, that Mary should feel some interest -in a young gentleman of so many accomplishments, as were possessed -by Strale. But, while she was careful not to betray any special -attachment, or discover to her friends that her affections were at all -involved in the matter, and while perhaps she was herself unconscious -of the power he was gaining over her feelings, the reserve of her -manners gradually softened, and she engaged with lively interest -in that sportive and animated conversation, for which both were -distinguished. But her natural seriousness of manner inclined her -rather to subjects of graver import, and she never concealed the fact -that religion and its kindred themes, were those upon which she most -delighted to dwell. Indeed, this was so obvious to Strale, that he -often regretted that his own heart refused its sympathy with a subject, -which was uppermost in the heart of the object of his love. It was -plain, however, that the acquaintance of the parties was becoming -every day more agreeable, and the general opinion was, that, if the -holy bands of matrimony did not finally unite such kindred tastes and -tempers, no predictions, touching these matters, could ever be trusted -again. - -This state of things between the parties continued for about a year, -when it gave occasion for the conversation which Lyford held with -Strale on their return from a hunting excursion. A few days after this, -Walter informed Lyford he had written his father of his attachment to -Mary, and desired permission to make known his feelings, and, if she -did not object, he requested his consent to their future union. This -letter was accompanied by one from Mr. Gardner, in which he assured -Mr. Strale that Miss Graham was every way worth of Walter's love, and -possessed all those graces and accomplishments which would reflect the -highest credit on the family. - -This declaration on the part of Strale was entirely satisfactory to -Lyford, and he no longer objected to the occasional intercourse which -had been kept up between the parties. It is not improbable, however, -that Walter was a little in advance of his father's consent, and that -some of those visions, which glittered on his eye, would reflect a -portion of their brilliancy on the mind of Miss Graham. But nothing -was said of a definite character, and the two friends were left to the -pleasure attending the consciousness of mutual love and the occasional -sadness of 'hope deferred.' - -Mary Graham was a decided favorite in Boston. Her personal attractions -were surpassed by none, and her manners and conversation were scarcely -rivalled by any of her associates. Yet she was simple and unpretending -in her demeanor; her religious character, from long reflection and -deep conviction, was firm and decided; but she was no enthusiast, and -though even Walter, at times, thought her more precise and severe -than necessary, yet there was a charm of inexpressible beauty, -interwoven with her every movement, a purity of mind and purpose, a -visible communion with things unseen and eternal, which commanded the -unvoluntary homage and respect of all who knew her. - -It was not strange that a young lady thus gifted, should have many -admirers, nor that love of equal strength with that of Strale's, should -be kindled in the affections of others. Such was the fact in regard -to Mary, and its consequences will be unfolded in the progress of our -narration. But it is a law of our nature, most beneficent and wise, -that but one response can be given, and, when given in sincerity and -truth, it is done with no divided heart. - - - - -CHAPTER FOURTH. - - -It was a frosty and dark evening, early in the following February, when -Walter and Lyford went into Boston, to meet a party of friends at the -house of Mr. Elliott, a gentleman who had recently come from Europe, -and whose commercial operations were, in future, to be conducted with -England and her American colonies. Mr. Elliott was wealthy, intelligent -and highly respected by all classes. It was deemed a high privilege -among the young gentlemen of the town, to be on visiting terms with -his family. His son, James, was amiable and agreeable, and Miss -Margaret Elliott was a decided belle. The good people of those days -were sometimes annoyed by the style of her dress, which was somewhat -in advance of the prevalent fashions, and was always formed upon the -best London or Paris models, though greatly modified and adapted to -the New England taste. Among the younger maidens, she would frequently -encounter looks of admiration or envy, according to the taste or temper -of the parties. But Miss Elliott insisted she could accommodate herself -no further to the prevalent scruples concerning dress, and as she was -a most amiable girl, condescending and affable to all, her imagined -vanity and love of fashion was generally forgiven. - -The large hall of Mr. Elliott's house was brilliantly lighted, and at -seven o'clock the company began to assemble. They were received at the -door by a servant, and the ladies and gentlemen conducted to different -rooms, where the servants assisted in the arrangement of their dresses. -On entering the hall, they were received by Mr. Elliott, who presented -each to Mrs. Elliott, according to the etiquette of the day, and the -parties then dispersed themselves about the room. - -When the young gentlemen from Cambridge arrived, the spacious rooms -were nearly filled with guests: the beauty and pride of the town were -present, members of the learned professions, several clergymen with -their families, Governor Stoughton, Judge Sewall and other eminent men -of the day, to whom these hours of recreation were among the greenest -spots in their lives of professional labor and care; but for the -youthful part of the company, these occasions possessed the highest -charm. The morning of life, as yet unclouded by care, and spreading -its pictures of joy on every hill, and crowning even the distant and -snow-clad steeps of old age with a visionary green, was too balmy -and bright to be false, too serene and beautiful to be deformed by -sudden tempest or a threatening sky. So reasons the mind in its early -views of life; such were the hopes and expectations of these young -men and maidens, as they looked through the vista of time. Yet was -there nothing in the nature of these social enjoyments which might not -challenge the scrutiny of even the most rigid and severe. There were no -card tables, no merry dances, nor frivolous games; yet conversation was -sprightly, good humored, and sometimes gay; the interchange of social -courtesies was cordial and sincere, and the mirth of the occasion, if -it might be called such, was neither excessive nor unbecoming. - -'You can boast the belle of the flowers to-night,' said James Elliott -to his cousin, Miss Hallam; 'it seems like a rare exotic, and is a -perfect novelty to me; pray tell me where you obtained it.' - -'I had it, James,' said Caroline, 'from one of the mountains of the -moon. You know our own supply of flowers in winter is very small.' - -'You are dealing in riddles, Miss Hallam. Pray explain: I would like to -know where more might be had.' - -'I have told you, James, already: will you never believe me?' - -'Hardly ever, Caroline. You are always shutting the door and leaving me -in the dark. It would be civil to give me a lamp, that I might find my -way out.' - -'You must get out by moon-light, James. I have you told a plain story, -and if you will not believe me, why, let it go. You believe, every day, -things much less credible.' - -At that moment, Miss Graham joined the circle, and James, appealing to -her, said he hoped Miss Hallam would give her the explanation she had -refused to him. - -'Why, you must study your map, Mr. Elliott,' said Mary; 'I suppose the -flower, or the plant that produced it, came from Africa.' - -'There, James,' said Caroline, 'see how little wit you have! Would you -not thank me, now, to shut you up in the dark, to hide your blushes?' - -'No, Caroline, for then I could not see you, and as to the blushes you -speak of, they will help my looks, which are none of the best. Miss -Graham, you have given this little vixen the best of the game: I shall -pay up hereafter.' - -So saying, James moved off in tolerable humor, and glad to make -his retreat. He soon joined another group of ladies, and as his -conversation was very agreeable, he seldom found himself without -willing auditors. Moreover, he felt that, on the present occasion, the -honors of his father's house were in a measure confided to him, and the -slight confusion of the incident soon passed away. - -The two young ladies he left were joined by another young gentleman -from Cambridge, named Trellison. He had graduated the preceding autumn -with some reputation; his manners were polished; and, except an -occasional harshness of expression, his face was not disagreeable. He -made high professions of religion, and there was a seeming modesty and -sobriety, in his deportment; yet to a practiced eye, he displayed the -tokens of fanaticism and hypocrisy rather than the unequivocal signs -of frankness and sincerity in his religious faith. - -'I believe you always worship at the South church, when you are in -town,' said Mr. Trellison, addressing Miss Graham. 'I have never seen -you at the North. Will you go with me to hear Mr. Mather next Sabbath, -by way of variety?' - -'My friends,' returned Miss Graham, 'worship at the South church, and -in truth I prefer Mr. Willard's preaching to that of Mr. Mather. He is -a man of singular candor, and his calm and benevolent temper has so -gained my esteem and confidence, that I think his preaching more useful -to me than any other.' - -'All this is true of him, and much more; but he is a man who never -believes more than he can help, and is very slow to give credit to -matters of fact. I think this a serious blemish in his character.' - -'Some men,' returned Mary, 'believe a great deal too much. Coolness and -caution in all matters of belief are essential to a well balanced mind. -If this be a fault in Mr. Willard, it is certainly a very amiable one.' - -'This coolness you speak of, Miss Graham, is a great enemy to prompt -action. I go for energy and decision; without these features the mind -is comparatively powerless, and its great purposes perish in the moment -of their birth.' - -'You cannot say this of Mr. Willard,' said Mary; 'his caution tempers -his zeal, but does not suppress it; his piety is not the less ardent -because it is cheerful and unobtrusive.' - -'You are quite his eulogist, Miss Graham. I am more inclined to the -fervid zeal of the Mathers, than to the quiet course of Mr. Willard. -Nevertheless, I esteem him highly. But I believe in the power of mighty -impulses to renovate the heart and subdue the evil principle in man. -The heart of man is like a wasted garden, full of unsightly plants -and noxious weeds, and dry and barren trees. When these are burnt up -by the terrors of the Lord, the Sun of righteousness covers it with a -beautiful verdure, and it brings forth the fruits of holiness.' - -'I believe, as you do, in a supernatural change of heart,' said Mary; -'but I consider a holy life and a willing obedience to the commands -of God, as the best evidence of his presence and power in the heart; -nor am I sure, that a soil, from which the noxious weed and barren -tree have been rooted out, may not as well bring forth the fruits of -holiness, when the seed are implanted by a divine hand, as if it were -burned over with fire. Nevertheless, there is beauty and truth in your -figure, and it is doubtless a consolation to the true believer, to have -a vivid remembrance of the work of the law on his heart.' - -'Those are certainly the most active Christians,' replied Trellison, -'who see the depths of ruin, from which they have been rescued. They -have a clearer view of the danger of their fellow men, and are excited -to greater efforts in their behalf. It appears to me the special design -and tendency of Mr. Mather's preaching is, to awaken this solicitude -and excite to such efforts.' - -'The minds of individuals,' returned Miss Graham, 'are affected by -such modes of address, as are best adapted to their peculiar habits -and tempers. Some men are more readily moved by terror, others by the -winning persuasions of the gospel. But in the remarks I have made, do -not, I pray you, think me the enemy of Mr. Mather. I am not, and if I -had not heard him preach, it is quite probable I should go with you -next Sabbath. I admire his talents, and his literary character is -deservedly high. Moreover, he is very agreeable in conversation, and -has entertained me much this very evening.' - -At this moment, the summons to the evening's entertainment prevented -the reply of Trellison. In a large room, adjoining the hall, a range of -tables had been laid, and were covered with a rich variety of foreign -luxuries as well as the more substantial products of New England. The -hospitality of those days was not marked by all those nice refinements, -which so often embarrass the social life of the present times; but -it was liberal to profusion, and, though simple in its forms, was -not deficient in a just regard to the proprieties and restraints of -elegant society. Yet there was one feature in the social life of New -England, which constituted its principal charm, and gave it a direction -to the highest and noblest objects of human pursuit. It was a devout -recognition of Providence, at every social meeting, an unembarrassed -and grateful thanksgiving, always expected and offered with becoming -reverence and a grateful sense of obligation. - -This interesting service was performed on the present occasion by Mr. -Willard, the accomplished pastor of the South church, and a more -pleasing spectacle is seldom witnessed. Around the tables were the -fathers of the colony, men eminent for learning, for mental vigor, and -above all, for distinguished, consistent and exemplary piety. Mingled -among them, in different groups, were fifty young men and maidens, -blooming in youth, the flower of the province, the first in rank and -manners in the land, all bowing their heads in reverence, while the -evening thanksgiving went up to the Giver of all good and the source of -every blessing. This was a part of that education which has made New -England the glory of all lands. But this glory has passed away from the -brilliant circles of its now splendid metropolis; gifts are received -with no audible response to the Giver; and Religion is too often deemed -a graceless intruder in the walks of wealth and fashion. - -The conversation, which had occupied Trellison and Mary, had not -escaped the notice of Strale. From some cause, these two young -gentlemen were not often pleased with each other. The young ladies -insisted that Trellison considered Strale as a rival who could -not easily be supplanted. It was plain that Miss Graham was, in -some measure, the cause of this dislike; yet apart from this, the -characters of the two were so exceedingly different, that little -harmony of feeling could be expected between them. Strale was always -pleasing. Distinguished for frankness and simplicity, his conversation -was vigorous, playful and strongly marked with the characters of truth -and propriety. Trellison was cautious, frequently reserved, with good -manners; but an expression of cunning, and even malignity, would often -cross his countenance, and give to his features, which, in general, -were pleasing, a harsh and disagreeable aspect. He was selfish and -very suspicious of the motives and doings of others, and his bad -temper towards Strale was often manifested by an ambiguous politeness, -throwing off sarcasms, mingled with civility enough to show his own -dexterity, and conceal, in part, the bitter hatred which prompted him. - -At the supper table Walter found means to join Miss Graham, and the -conversation, as usual, soon became playful and animated. Several -young ladies gathered round and formed a circle of attraction, which, -wherever it moved, was sure to carry its satellites with it, and -keep up its brilliancy. Trellison who had made unusual efforts to be -agreeable, finding himself unable to break the circle by starting -new topics and diverting the current in his own favor, at last joined -it himself. Soon after, as Walter was passing a glass of wine to -Miss Graham, Trellison's arm, either by design or a sudden change of -position, struck the hand of Strale and overturned the wine upon the -dress of Miss Graham. Trellison stooped to take up the broken pieces, -remarking: - -'How unfortunate! what was the matter, Mr. Strale?' - -'I ask pardon, Miss Graham,' said Strale; 'wine, they say, is a mocker; -but I would rather its color might grace your cheek than stain your -dress; my hand is not usually unsteady. Perhaps Mr. Trellison can -explain why it is so to-night.' - -'I am sorry you think any explanation due from me: what possible -connection could I have with the accident? Mr. Strale, your imputation -is rude and unjust.' - -'I know not how it is, Mr. Trellison: some person's arm struck my -hand abruptly, as it seemed to me. I thought it was yours: but if you -disclaim it, I am willing to take back the suspicion, and think it an -accident.' - -'Your apology is hardly in season,' said Trellison; 'you had no right -to suppose any one in this room would willingly help you stain a lady's -dress; still less, to point out an individual, in a manner so invidious -and selfish.' - -The young ladies, who had been engaged in assisting Miss Graham, now -returned, and before Walter had opportunity to reply, Miss Hallam -remarked to Trellison, that he was a very careless gentleman to molest -a lady's cup-bearer. Strale looked at Trellison, who bore this rebuke -unabashed; but he instantly replied: 'I am sorry you think me so -careless, Miss Hallam; but indeed, I was not aware of any agency in the -matter.' - -'It may not have been intentional,' said Miss Hallam: 'it could not -have been, and perhaps I was deceived in supposing it to be you; -nevertheless, I thought it was.' - -The conversation was getting a little too grave, and a movement -towards the hall was readily seconded by some of the young ladies, and -the company adjourned to the other room. The impressions which this -conversation made were not of the most agreeable kind; but they soon -passed away, and other topics and amusements restored, at least in -appearance, the harmony which had been so rudely disturbed. - -The festivities of an evening party were always closed, in those -days, by devotional exercises; and on the present occasion, they were -performed by the younger Mather, who was now in his early manhood, -and whose vigorous, yet credulous and superstitious mind was destined -to exert a powerful, and we must add, a baleful influence upon the -social condition of the colony. It happened that, as he was about to -read the evening hymn which preceded the closing prayer, the shock of -an earthquake was slightly felt by the company. It was immediately -followed by a rapid and tumultuous sound, like the rattling of heavy -wheels over the pavement. Another shock succeeded, and the house, -for an instant, rocked, as if a sudden whirlwind had passed by. In -a moment, all was hushed, and the awe-stricken party stood like -motionless statues, wrapped in amazement and terror. - -The silence, which lasted a moment or two, was broken by Mr. Mather, -who remarked that the providence of God had furnished a theme for -reflection, which was fitted to impress the mind with the instability -of earth and all earthly things. It was a voice of admonition which -could not be disregarded. When pestilence and famine were abroad in -the land, the means of at least temporary relief were possessed. But -when the pillars of the world were moved and its foundations upheaved -by unseen and terrible agents; it was then every earthly refuge was -vain. 'But,' he continued, 'there is one hiding place which, in the -midst of every convulsion, is safe for the believer. Time has not -reached it with his consuming hand; tempests have beat upon it in -vain; pestilence, famine or earthquake can never waste its strength; -it shall survive the ruin of earth, the wreck of planets, and a -dissolving universe. This refuge is the 'Rock of ages;' here are towers -of strength and palaces of hope, built on foundations which rest on -the throne of God. The voice we have just heard is the voice of a -father telling us to hide in these chambers of his grace, 'until the -indignation be overpast;' it is but a louder echo of his mercy, warning -us that earth must pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt -with fervent heat; and, at the same time, assuring us that, though the -mountains depart and the hills be removed, his loving kindness shall -not depart from his people.' - -Such was a part of the extempore address, which the interesting -circumstances of the evening called forth. It was followed by a fervent -prayer, and a train of salutary reflections occupied the minds of the -party, as they dispersed to their several homes. - - - - -CHAPTER FIFTH. - - -'What an unfortunate evening we have had!' said Strale to Lyford, on -their return home; 'every thing has gone wrong. Trellison was in the -wrong place, the wine went the wrong way, and the earthquake came at -the wrong time.' - -'Hush, Walter; you speak too lightly on this latter point. All the -trifles of the evening vanished from my mind when the earthquake voice -of my Maker spoke to me of a coming judgment, and a crashing world. Why -is it, Walter, that we think so little of our future destiny? Why do we -build our hopes on a world we must leave so soon?' - -'I know it is a fitting time to think, James,' said Strale; 'I would -that sensible objects had less effect upon me; but so it is, Lyford, -and I cannot help it. I thought more of my own misfortunes this -evening than any thing else. Even the earthquake scarcely diverted my -thoughts from that unfortunate overthrow, which I verily believe was -caused by Trellison.' - -'It is vain and foolish, Walter, to dwell upon such trifles. I am no -enemy, as you well know, to social pleasures, but at such an hour as -this, I am sorry your mind is not better occupied. It is now nearly -midnight, the way is solitary, and its very silence seems to me ominous -and impressive: these leafless trees, all nature hushed and dead, the -voice which has just issued from the groaning earth,--all these speak -to us of our mortality, warn us of the flight of time, and throw around -us the dim figures and solemn images of a coming hereafter.' - -'You are superstitious to-night, James. I do not mean to say your views -in the main are not reasonable and right, but there is a tinge of -melancholy in your language and manner, which is hardly natural. I wish -to be as religious as you are, but not quite so grave, for gravity you -know has little to do with my constitution. We are now nearly home, -and when we get there I will converse with you on religion if you wish, -but not exactly in this way.' - -At this moment they entered a narrow turn in the road, which was lined -on either side by a dense forest for nearly a mile; the large tangled -bushes formed the only fence, and the way was so nearly open, that any -one coming from the woods might enter it with little obstruction. The -night was extremely dark, and not even a star was visible; the young -travellers, however, were provided with a small lantern, which was a -very important guide in this stage of their walk. A slight rustling -in the woods had once or twice arrested the attention of James, who -remarked that he could hardly account for it at that hour of the night, -and at this season of the year. - -'The wind may produce it,' said Strale; 'the imagination may produce -it; and possibly, Lyford, the Salem witches may be dancing about in -the woods. By the way, I wonder Cotton Mather said nothing about these -rumors from Salem; he is just the man to believe them. Do you think it -possible he knows nothing of the story?' - -'Very possible, indeed; for it attracts very little notice, and is in -fact very little known. Mr. Mather is inclined to superstition, but I -hardly think he believes in ghosts and witches. I am quite sure his -father would not sanction such folly, and the father and son are not -much inclined to differ in opinion.' - -'I have no very high opinion of Cotton Mather. He may be a good man; he -is certainly forcible and impressive in the pulpit; and it is thought -his rising greatness will soon eclipse that of his father; but in my -belief Dr. Mather, if not a greater man, is a far better one, and the -son, with all his eccentric brilliancy, can never rival the father. He -is headstrong, violent, and intolerant. I hope the President will soon -return, and keep his son from meddling with college affairs.' - -'He will soon be here,' said Lyford; 'and in my opinion he will come -the messenger of good to these colonies; he will obtain for this -Puritan community from the Prince of Orange, what the bigotry and pride -of the Stuarts would never grant. No man's return to Boston can be so -welcome as that of Dr. Mather.' - -The conversation was interrupted by a sound in the woods, resembling -the tread of footsteps among the tangled bushes. Walter proposed to -walk in the direction indicated by the noise, and ascertain if possible -the cause. Lyford, however, objected, and thought it best not to -separate; for a little of the superstition which such circumstances -might readily occasion, had now affected the minds of both, but -particularly that of Lyford. They walked silently along for a moment or -two, when a sudden flash was seen, which was followed by a quick, sharp -report, like that of a rifle, and the rustling of the bushes over the -way indicated that they were torn and rent by a shower of lead. Another -flash succeeded, when a shot struck the hand of Strale, and passed off -into the neighboring woods. - -'There are no witches here,' said Strale; 'there is too much cold -lead to come from the gun of a witch; look at my hand, Lyford, and be -thankful as I am it was not my head.' - -'This is no time to look at heads or hands,' said Lyford, 'but to -escape the loss of both, if we can'; and he instantly extinguished the -lamp, and suppressing the voice of Walter, who was about to speak, they -moved along as silently as possible, and in half an hour entered the -college gate. - -These singular events, following each other so rapidly, made a strong -impression on the minds of both Strale and Lyford. It was impossible -not to connect them in some shape with Trellison, and yet there was a -boldness and audacity in the affair, which was hardly consistent with -his reputation for caution and cunning. It was too late to do any thing -about it that night, and after an examination of the wound of Strale, -which proved very slight, a few simple remedies were applied, and they -retired for such rest as the exciting scenes of the evening might allow. - -The next day the story was rife in Cambridge, and a strong excitement -was produced throughout the town. Trellison was at once suspected, -and as his dislike to Strale was well known, a legal investigation -was proposed, and immediately carried into effect; not, however, -without a strong remonstrance from Walter and his friend, who were -disposed to let the affair drop. A warrant was immediately issued for -the apprehension of Trellison, but before it could be served, he was -warned of the movements against him, and advised to make his escape. -This he refused to do, and declared himself ready for immediate trial. -Accordingly, when the officer appeared, he accompanied him to a -magistrate, and the investigation proceeded in regular form. - -All the evidence against Trellison was circumstantial, and rested -mainly on two facts; one of these was his inveterate dislike of Strale, -which, with all his caution, he had been unable to conceal; the other -was the very late hour of his return, and his disturbed and agitated -manner, which was remarked by several persons, as soon as he entered -his lodgings. In his defence, he stated very forcibly his objections to -the first branch of evidence, declaring that nothing less than madness -could prompt even an enemy to a kind of revenge which was so rash, and -must recoil so soon on the aggressor. He explained the lateness of his -return by saying that he walked with one of the young ladies for nearly -half an hour before he left Boston, and on taking his leave, he came -home on the public road, and was himself surprised, on his arrival, at -the lateness of the hour. - -The magistrate demanded the name of the young lady, as her evidence -might be important in the case. - -Trellison replied, that he should give it with reluctance, but would -do it, if the requirement was mandatory. - -The magistrate repeated the question, and insisted on a prompt reply. - -'The name of the lady,' said Trellison, 'is Miss Graham.' - -Walter started at this annunciation, and the blood rushed to his face; -but he recovered himself in a moment, and the sudden flush escaped the -notice of all excepting Trellison. - -The magistrate thought it necessary to send for Miss Graham, and -ordered that Trellison should be held in custody till the next day, -when Miss Graham's evidence would be taken, and all the parties should -have a fair hearing. - -Strale and Lyford now requested that Trellison might be liberated on -his own bail. They also stated the complaint had been made against -their wishes, and they believed the evidence was such as did not -warrant his committal. But the magistrate immediately ordered Trellison -to prison, and rebuked the young students for meddling with his -official duties. The public feeling was very strong against Trellison, -and scarcely any doubt remained, that on the next day he would be -convicted of an aggravated assault, with intent to murder. - -At this stage of the business, to the surprise of all, two young men, -members of college, appeared and declared themselves the parties in -fault. They stated, that having been in Roxbury the preceding afternoon -on a shooting excursion, they had taken supper at an inn on their -way home, and after supper several persons came in, and the evening -was occupied in card-playing and wine-drinking; the wine proved too -strong for them, so much so as to make them wholly unconscious of -the earthquake, the news of which surprised them, the next day. On -their return home at a late hour, they saw a long distance behind -them a light, which they supposed proceeded from the lantern of some -members of college. They had now partially recovered from the effects -of the wine, and on seeing this light, they resolved to play off a -joke, and accordingly went into the neighboring woods and waited till -the students came up; they then fired successively, aiming at the -bushes a few rods in advance of the travellers. The guns were loaded -with buckshot only, but they supposed the unsteadiness of their aim -proceeded from the fumes of wine, and on hearing Strale remark that his -hand was wounded, and seeing him by the light of the lantern hold it up -to his companion, they feared the joke had been carried too far, and -after waiting till the road was still, they went home. - -This relation established the innocence of Trellison beyond all doubt, -and very much to the annoyance of several officious individuals who had -prejudged the case, and fully believed in his guilt. Walter and Lyford -shared too in the awkwardness and confusion that followed. All they -could do was to make a full apology, and express their deep regret at -the course which had been taken. Trellison bowed haughtily, but in such -a manner as to show that the offence would not readily be forgiven. The -two young men who had made confession, were held to bail for subsequent -examination, and the parties soon after dispersed. - - - - -CHAPTER SIXTH. - - -A few days after the adventure in the woods, Lyford obtained leave -to visit his friends in Hadley. At that time such a journey was no -small affair; and the road was so new, so little travelled, and the -settlements on the way were so thinly scattered, that it required a -good deal of preparation, and was usually performed on horseback. There -were no inns on the road, except a small house in the settlement at -Worcester, and a log cabin in the neighborhood of Brookfield, where -food and lodging might be had. - -The journey was undertaken in company with a friend, and the ride of -four days among the forests of New England was characterized by a -variety of romantic and pleasing incidents. It was not without peril -of life and limb, for the road was often precipitous, and though -sometimes travelled in sleighs and wheel carriages, these conveyances -were little adapted to its rugged surface, and afforded small comfort -to their riders. The road was perfectly known to Lyford, and the -scenery on the way was so picturesque and beautiful that he often -paused in admiration on some of the cliffs over which his path led -him, and gazed long and with lively interest at those wild and rugged -features of nature which the labor of man has since softened into -the calmer lineaments of pleasant meadows, flourishing gardens and -cultivated fields. - -The village of Hadley had been the residence of the venerated Gen. -Goffe. Every incident in his grandfather's history, every spot which -the illustrious exile loved, was dear to the memory of Lyford. In their -early childhood, James and his sister were the solace of many a weary -hour, and threw around the aged patriot the last gleams of sunshine -which fell on his troubled career. Every one loved the old man; and -the mandate of the royal Stuart and his bribe of gold were of no force -among the peaceful villagers, who well knew the veteran's retreat, -and could never be persuaded, by promise or threat, to betray him. -The sympathies of the community in which he lived were wholly on his -side, and all those friendly offices which affection could suggest, or -kindness confer, were liberally bestowed. But the tyrannical Charles -was then in the zenith of his power, and the last days of Goffe were -imbittered by the tidings of his constant and successful aggressions -on the laws and liberties of England. Whatever were his errors in -pronouncing judgment upon the only Stuart who commands the sympathy -and affection of posterity, it is certain that Gen. Goffe deplored -the necessity of such a sacrifice, and acted under a strong, but -misguided sense of duty. His name is yet held in honored and grateful -remembrance; his ashes rest in a land where no kingly prerogative -tramples with its iron foot on the sacred rights of man, and where -the blessed vision that shone so brightly on his eye, is a living and -glorious reality. - -During Lyford's absence, his sister returned to Salem, and Walter -applied himself with new vigor to his studies. Before Mary left Boston, -however, their mutual vows had been pledged, with the full consent -of Walter's parents, whose reply to his earnest request was as kind -and affectionate as he could desire. Strale had never requested Miss -Graham to explain the circumstances of Trellison's long interview -with her on his way home from Mr. Elliott's, but as she was aware of -the difficulties which occurred at Cambridge on the next day, and of -the singular and suspicious attitude in which Trellison's declaration -had placed her, she now thought it proper to make Walter acquainted -with all the facts in the case. It appeared that Mr. Trellison had -long persisted in a class of attentions which were exceedingly -annoying and disagreeable, and Miss Graham determined to accept his -offer to accompany her home, with a view to put a final end to his -importunities. On this occasion Trellison again renewed his request, -that she would so far permit his attentions as to allow him the hope of -a future union, declaring that his love was stronger than death, and -that no conceivable suffering could be equal to that which must follow -the abandonment of his hope. Miss Graham had long known the strength -of his attachment, and in reply assured him that in many points he -possessed her esteem and respect, but beyond that, she could give no -response to his feelings, and begged he would cease his attentions, -declaring once for all, that all hope and expectation on his part were -entirely groundless, and must terminate, as her affections were already -fixed upon another, and his duty to himself and to her required that -he should no longer molest her with such attentions as she could never -reciprocate. - -The result of this interview accounted for the haggard and troubled -appearance of Trellison on his return to Cambridge. It was a fatal -blow to his hopes, it struck deeply at his pride, and aroused a train -of reflections and purposes which, under various disguises, were so -interwoven with the severity of his religious views, as to conceal -from him in part their real turpitude. He could not forgive Strale for -supplanting him, as he supposed, in Mary's love. He began to think Miss -Graham herself was not the angelic being his fancy had pictured, and a -feeling of bitterness against both soon passed over his mind, which he -chose to indulge, as furnishing some antidote to the disappointment and -shame which had nearly overwhelmed him. - -It was now the clear sunshine of happiness with Walter. His long -cherished object had been attained, and he looked forward with pride -and pleasure to the day when he could call Miss Graham his own, and -present her to his parents as the object of his warmest love. - -Mary, too, was happy; but there was one blot in the beautiful picture -she was contemplating. Strale was not decidedly religious. His -principles were firm, his views of religion serious and respectful; -but this was not sufficient or satisfactory. She was desirous most of -all, that he might possess that inestimable pearl, which he who obtains -will never give up, and he who refuses to seek will never obtain. Her -conversations with Walter on religious subjects were frequent and -serious; and every day, while they were together, she had the happiness -to find him more deeply interested, and more determined that his future -well being should become a matter of personal concern and solicitude. - -On the last evening before Mary left Boston, the conversation was more -than usually interesting. The day had been clear and cold--there was -little snow on the ground, but it presented a smooth surface of ice -over which they found a pleasant walk on the borders of the forest -which then occupied, in the wildness of its original growth, the -present site of the Boston common. The moonlight was falling among the -trees, and was also reflected from the ice and snow, whose beautiful -expanse was visible on the south. The subject of conversation was the -character of New-England piety. Walter had serious objections to its -general features, which he thought were unnatural and unwarranted -by the scriptures. He objected to its harshness and severity, its -alliance to bigotry and superstition, its restraint upon the buoyancy -and cheerfulness of youth, and its rigid demands upon the time and -attention of its professors. - -'These, Mary,' said he, 'are difficulties which I cannot get over. -Surely religion was never intended to strip the world of its beauty -and clothe it in unnatural gloom. It must animate all our joyous -sensibilities, and not suppress them--it must give us bright pictures -of the future life, and not such as will cast shadows and gloom over -the present.' - -'Religion, Walter,' replied Mary, 'must strip the world of its false -beauty, and present it in its true light. It must frown upon every -sensibility, however joyous, which is sinful. It claims our supreme -regard, and demands the first place in our pursuits, the first in -our affections. The beauty and color of the richest wine are often -heightened by the poisonous drug--shall we therefore press the chalice -to our lips? Will you not agree with me that most of that which charms -the youthful mind is false and illusive?' - -'I have often found it so. But on the other hand, is there no excess -in religious sensibility? Do not insanity and despair sometimes follow -in the train of excited apprehensions of future wrath, and is not the -imagination often terrified and distracted by groundless alarms?' - -'This excess of sensibility is not peculiar to religious subjects. The -intense application of the mind to any subject of absorbing interest -will often destroy its balance, and unfit it for usefulness and -happiness. How is it with the men of pleasure, of wealth, of talent -and fame? Are they not overthrown sometimes by the excitement of their -several vocations? And can religion, Walter, which is of all themes the -most exciting, be always contemplated with such calmness as never to -distract the mind?' - -'It is not religion, dear Mary, that I object to; but to those -distorted and unnatural shapes which it seems to wear in the -community. Look now at the strange delusion which prevails at Salem. -Under color of religion, several innocent persons have been imprisoned, -charged with crimes which they cannot commit if they would; and yet we -are told the interests of true religion require their punishment.' - -'These are the excrescences of religion,' replied Mary, 'not the -thing itself. As to the witch stories, and the proceedings of the -magistrates, there is folly enough about them; but I am quite sure no -part of it is to be laid to religion. Superstition affects all minds -more or less. It has a most powerful agency in the papal church, and -is an important part of the machinery by which that evil system is -supported. I believe there is less of it here than elsewhere; and yet -if its elements are once in commotion, there is no absolute protection -against its power. Not many years since several persons were punished -in England for witchcraft, and it is unfortunate that the relations -between the physical and mental states are not better understood. The -ignorant and credulous too often mistake the disorders of their minds -for the influence of mysterious spirits and malignant demons, and -for want of a just discrimination, the most disastrous results will -sometimes follow.' - -'I am ashamed to confess, Mary, that my own experience goes to confirm -the truth of your remarks. I am not wholly free from superstitious -feelings. There have been times in my life when I was ready to start -at the fall of a leaf, and have felt an undefinable and mysterious -awe, for which I could trace no sufficient cause. I have been at times -almost ready to sympathize with those who look at the blooming of a -flower out of its season, or the sudden blighting of blossoms on the -tree, as intimations of death or some other calamity. I remember a -family of six brothers in Virginia, the youngest ten years of age, -and all of them in sound and vigorous health. A number of peach trees -in fine condition were growing in front of the house. They were very -remarkable for the abundance and excellence of their fruit. Early in -the spring before I left, those trees were observed to be full of -blossoms, when suddenly, and without apparent cause, the bloom of -three of them was blighted, and in a few weeks they died. Soon after I -reached Boston I was informed by letter, that three of those brothers -were successively seized with fever and died. Was not this, Mary, a -shadow of things to come, a significant token of the desolation which -so soon fell upon the family? Was it not at least remarkable in its -circumstances?' - -'Just now, Walter, you seemed to warn me against superstition, and then -suggested a train of thought which could not fail to awaken it, if I -had any. Indeed, Walter, I have no belief in its being a wonder, even -as you state it. What is more common than for a peach tree to be full -of blossoms, and then suddenly die. A worm at the root, a thousand -blighting influences, are constantly at work to undermine its little -life; and if the incident contains an impressive lesson, it does not -warrant us in believing it the design of Providence to reveal thereby -the deaths which soon after occurred.' - -'You are not so credulous even, as I am,' said Walter, 'and I certainly -am not so religious as you are. This would seem to prove there is no -tendency in your religion to blend itself with superstition. It is -therefore but reasonable that I should give up this point. Yet that -superstition now reigns to an alarming degree in this very religious -community is not to be denied. The singular antics and wild fancies of -those who are so strangely affected, will easily satisfy the multitude -of the presence and power of evil spirits; and where shall we look -for a remedy? Now, strange as it may seem to you, it is my belief, if -public amusements were introduced, assemblies for dancing, and even -theatrical exhibitions, these would do more to banish the delusion than -any thing else. The truth is, I hear so many strange things, so well -accredited from sources so respectable, that I half believe Satan has -been let loose upon the community, and is moulding the opinions and -conduct of men according to his own will.' - -'The measures you propose, to drive him off,' said Mary, laughing, -'would rather induce him to stay. He is said to be very much at home -in places where these amusements abound. Nevertheless, if I were sure -he would be so well satisfied with the means you propose, as to let go -his hold upon the fancies of the community, I think we might be gainers -by the exchange. It would be substituting the lesser for the greater -evil.' - -'What surprises me most,' said Walter, 'is the ready credence which -is given to those who say they are affected by witches. Judge Sewall, -who is certainly a wise and cool tempered man, Gov. Stoughton, and -other distinguished men, are firm believers in the reality of these -affections; and there is even now an appeal to the Mosaic scriptures -to punish witches with death. One of its commands, 'Thou shalt not -suffer a witch to live,' is quoted as a divine warrant for judicial -proceedings; and such is the zeal manifested in the cause, I fear it -will lead to the death of those individuals who are now in prison.' - -'Well, Walter, whatever comes of it, do not, I pray you, impute it to -religion. It has nothing to do with it. Some of the most pious in the -land are doing all in their power to divert the public feeling into a -different channel. There is Mr. Higginson, my own minister, of Salem, -venerable and beloved by all; Mr. Willard, here, Mr. Brattle and Mr. -Leverett, the latter your own tutor at Cambridge; all these, and many -others, though to some extent believers in witchcraft, are entirely -opposed to the interference of the law, and think the evil will soon -cure itself. Let us trust in Providence that all will come right. And -for you, dear Walter, I dread the thought that this mental epidemic -should lead you to distrust for a moment the efficacy and power of -the gospel. Believe it, Walter, for it is assuredly true: the gospel, -received and trusted, is the best remedy for every mental and moral -disorder.' - -'It would be happy for me, dear Mary, could the same christian graces -which adorn your character, shine forth in mine. I know that true piety -towards God is my only safeguard from the ills of life, my only hope -for the life to come. I believe in the great truths you profess. I long -to experience their power in my own heart, and whatever sacrifice of -the world it may cost, I hope through the mercy of a Redeemer, I shall -be his willing and obedient disciple.' - -The conversation closed as they reached the door of Mr. Hallam, with -whose family Mary was to spend the last night of her stay in Boston. - -It was not surprising that a superstition so unwarrantable should give -to a mind like Strale's, false and unfavorable notions of religion. He -imputed the delusion to what he thought the sternness and severity of -the popular religious feeling, not considering that a simple analysis -of the mind will develope a multitude of causes, upon which the -imputation may far more justly rest. The conversation we have related -tended very much to dispel this error, and in the painful scenes which -were soon to be developed, he was enabled to distinguish with great -accuracy between the religious principle and the wild and dreadful -fanaticism with which it was attended. - - - - -CHAPTER SEVENTH. - - -It was now the latter end of February, 1692. The winter had been -cold, and the ground since December had most of the time been covered -with snow. Our young friend, James Lyford, we left in Hadley. He was -spending a few weeks in the family of Mr. Temple, who in the days -of General Goffe was his intimate friend, and by his generosity and -personal society had contributed greatly to the quiet and happiness -of the exiled patriot. James had spent his early youth in Hadley, -and a thousand pleasant associations were connected with its natural -scenery, and the localities and friends of his childhood. The little -time allowed for his visit, passed rapidly away, and his engagements -at college required his return early in March. He wished also to spend -a few days in Worcester on his return, to see a friend who had just -located in that new settlement. One of Mr. Temple's sons, named Henry, -a lad of fourteen years of age, was permitted to accompany him. - -The little fellow had heard much of Boston, and longed to see a place -which contained so many objects to gratify curiosity. The notions of -the peaceful villagers of Hadley, in those days, were confined very -much to their own beautiful territories, and they never thought of -visiting Boston except for purposes of business, and having supplied -their wants, which were few and simple, they always gladly returned to -their homes, and in the community of friendship and good will, together -with the christian sympathy which pervaded their little settlement, -they found a degree of contentment and happiness, to which wealth, -fashion and luxury can never attain. - - - 'Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, - Their sober wishes never learned to stray; - Along the cool, sequestered vale of life, - They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.' - - -But the youth of Hadley were not always satisfied with the quiet scenes -of rural life. The fame of Boston, its high buildings, crowded market, -the steeples and bells of the churches, the ships in the harbor, and -its various objects of interest and attraction, possessed a charm which -never invested their own blue hills and blooming forests. Boston at -this time contained six thousand inhabitants, and was a beautiful town, -covered with fine buildings, pleasant gardens, and streets ornamented -by trees. Many of our young readers will remember their feelings, when -for the first time they came to visit this now splendid city, and will -readily imagine those of young Temple, when the same prospect, though -in miniature, was held out to his eye. - -It required some special preparation for a journey to Boston, the -distance being one hundred miles, and through a country but little -travelled, and with only two inns on the road. The sleighing was now -fine, and Lyford preferred this mode of conveyance, as they had several -articles to carry, which could not be taken on horseback. Mr. Temple -provided them with every thing necessary for themselves, and provender -for the horse; they had also materials for producing fire, an axe, and -a shovel, to be used in case of snow-drifts, besides the trunk which -contained Lyford's clothes, and books; a rifle, with sufficient powder -and ball, completed their arrangements for the journey. - -Thus equipped, the two friends started on the twenty-sixth of February, -and in the evening arrived at a little settlement, thirty miles from -Hadley, where they passed the night. Leaving early the next morning, -they hoped to reach Worcester in the evening, and they rode quietly -most of the day, moving very slowly on account of the difficulties of -the road, which was but slightly broken. The morning had been fine and -clear, but towards noon the clouds came up, and the wind changed to -northeast,--indicating one of those violent snow-storms which sometimes -filled up the roads, and placed a long embargo on social intercourse. -As the day declined, it began to snow, and James now urged his horse -to his utmost speed, as they were far from any habitation, and there -seemed no alternative, but either to get to Worcester, or perish -in the woods. The snow was now falling thick and fast, with a high -northeast wind directly in the faces of the travellers, and creating -new obstacles to the already difficult road; the evening was at hand, -and they were still ten miles from Worcester, and so violent was the -storm, that it soon became evident they could not reach the settlement. -In this dilemma, they hesitated for a moment, when James recollected a -kind of shed he had seen on his way up, about a mile from their present -position; and being assured that the only chance for their lives was in -reaching that spot, they redoubled their efforts, James clearing the -way with his shovel, and Henry leading the horse, the tempest meanwhile -raging with the greatest violence. - -The horse was now hardly able to keep his feet, having been jaded -and exhausted by incessant toil, and they were still a quarter of a -mile from the shed: at this moment they reached a high drift, which -it seemed impossible to pass; and Henry, worn out with cold and -fatigue, could no longer make the least effort. Lyford was now in the -most alarming circumstances; he was himself greatly fatigued, and -his strength could not much longer sustain him. He placed Henry in -the sleigh, and covered him with blankets, while he returned to the -snow-drift with his shovel, and in half an hour worked through. It -was now dark, and the wind had fortunately blown the snow from the -remainder of the road to the shed, which he reached, at last, nearly -overcome by anxiety and fatigue. It was well they found a resting-place -there, for just before them an immense snow-drift reared its white -and impassable barrier, which the strength of twenty men could not -sufficiently reduce, and there was no circuit by which it could be -avoided. - -The shed under which our travellers were now resting, was built of -logs, and wholly open in front; it faced the south, and its roof, -composed of lighter wood, sloped nearly to the ground. It was built -merely to feed horses on their way, and furnish a convenient spot, -where travellers might rest for an hour. In one corner was a rough -chimney, made of stones, but there was no furniture of any description, -and little shelter from rain when the wind was south; but it seemed to -our travellers, in their forlorn condition, like a home of safety and -rest. They were yet unable to tell what might befall them, but their -first duty of devout thanksgiving to a kind and protecting Providence -was immediately and gratefully performed. - -The storm had now increased to a furious tempest; the wind roared -among the trees, and its wild and startling echoes sounded from the -valleys and rocks. Sometimes they came in the loud tones of thunder, -and then in the rapid sweep of the whirlwind; and vast clouds of -snow were driven along the open spaces, and piled in huge heaps near -the open front of the shed, affording some additional shelter to its -inmates. But the place was at best a cold and comfortless lodging: -there was no wood for a fire, and only the dim candle of the lantern -to afford them light. In these circumstances, Lyford made the best -possible arrangements for the night: the sleigh was placed in a corner, -two large blankets were extended before it and fastened to a pole, -which was secured to a low beam that ran across the shed, and by a -rude frame-work supported its roof. This contrivance furnished a kind -of enclosure, which kept out the snow, and afforded a partial shelter -for the horse as well as themselves. The poor animal, thoroughly -exhausted, on being loosed from the harness, immediately laid himself -down, and was covered by a blanket, and protected as far as possible -from the storm. Lyford prepared a bed in the sleigh, of such materials -as he could collect, and after taking some refreshment they covered -themselves and went quietly to rest. - -When the morning appeared, the storm was wild and fierce as ever. An -immense quantity of snow had fallen, the atmosphere was filled with its -driving masses, and there seemed no prospect of a favorable change. -Lyford dug his way a few steps from the shed, but it was vain to -contend with the furious elements, and he was glad to retreat to his -forlorn shelter. By the light of day he discovered a quantity of broken -wood and branches of trees, which afforded them the relief of a fire; -and this was the more necessary, as the air was now excessively cold. A -survey of their supplies followed, by which it appeared their corn and -provisions were sufficient, with economy, for eight or ten days; the -horse, however, it was necessary to keep on very short allowance, as -there was little prospect that they could proceed on their journey for -ten days at least. - -On the third day the storm abated, and in the afternoon the sun -came forth in his glory. Lyford succeeded in digging his way to a -neighboring tree, and ascended to its topmost branches, where he -beheld a vast and trackless expanse of snow, which had spread over hill -and valley to an average depth of nearly three feet, but which in many -places was piled like mountains, and seemed to defy all the power of -man to break down its barriers and force a passage. - -As Lyford descended from the tree, he saw a dark object on the snow, -about a quarter of a mile distant, and in the direction of what -appeared to be the road. It first seemed like the trunk of a tree, -which had been burned to a coal, yet he soon perceived it had a slow -motion towards him. His curiosity was strongly excited, and he gazed -with increasing interest, until the outlines of a human figure were -distinctly visible, as it dragged its slow pace through the heavy -snow drifts towards Lyford. In about an hour from the time he was -discovered, Pompey--for it was no other than he--stood before Lyford, -who was extremely perplexed and surprised at his sudden appearance. - -'Be this you, Massa James?' said Pompey. 'How came you up in dis tree, -and among dese snow banks?' - -'It will be time enough to ask these questions when I get out. But -what brings you here, Pompey?' - -'Come to find you, Massa. Went to Wooster first, but no Massa Lyford -there--so I came all the way here. Will you tell me, Massa, where I get -something to eat?' - -'All in good time. But where did you stay last night, Pompey?--you -could hardly walk a mile a day through such snow drifts as these.' - -'Staid in the trunk of a tree, Massa, these two nights, and glad to get -there,--snow storm drove me in. I look out to-day, and saw a man climb -a tree. I thought if Pompey get to that man, he may find something -better than snow to eat.' - -'Hard fare, Pompey; how do you like this blessed land now?' - -'Nothing but trouble in it, Massa James; kicks, prisons, and -snow-storms. No such things in Virginny. Hope Massa Walter send me back -before de debils carry me off. Boston and Salem full of debils as dey -can hold; de women full of debils, too, and de men running as if de -debils were after them. Here's a letter for you, Massa Lyford.' - -James took Pompey to the shed, where the poor negro obtained some -food, and was soon in a condition to give some further account of -himself. The letter he brought was from Strale, in which he requested -Lyford to return without delay. He stated that universal distrust -prevailed, and that consternation and dismay extended to every circle; -the regular studies at college were interrupted, accusations for -witchcraft were coming in from every quarter, and it was fully believed -the reign of Satan had commenced. For himself, he held the popular -notions in utter contempt; but it was foolish and dangerous to oppose -them openly, and he begged that Lyford would not tarry at Worcester, -but return at once, as his counsel and assistance might be necessary; -and as no one was safe, it was better for him to be at home, where such -measures might be adopted, as the course of events should require. - -Walter had despatched this letter to Worcester, in the expectation that -Lyford was there; but the faithful negro, finding he had not arrived, -pushed on towards Hadley, until driven by the snow-storm into such -shelter as he could find, when he fortunately discovered Lyford in the -manner we have related. - -It was impossible to leave the shed with any hope of making progress -through the snow; the travellers were therefore compelled to wait for -a change of weather. They succeeded in procuring wood enough in the -neighborhood to keep up their fire, and by good management they were -tolerably comfortable for a few days. During this time, the solitary -waste was cheered by no voice or track of man; all was silent, save -that now and then the loud report of Lyford's rifle, aimed at some -passing wild-fowl, sent its echoes among the trees: but on the sixth -day a gentle south wind sprung up, which was soon followed by a cloudy -sky, and in the evening torrents of rain began to fall, which deluged -the country like a flood. It continued all the next day, and it was -with great difficulty a dry spot could be preserved in the shed. In -the evening it cleared up; the wind suddenly changed to north-west, -and became extremely cold. The next day, being the eighth from the -time they first entered the shed, the travellers were again on their -way over a smooth surface of snow and ice; and in two hours the little -cluster of houses at the settlement, with its white church spire, -greeted their eyes, and gave them promise of refreshment and rest. - -Such adventures as these were very common among the pioneers of New -England. Her vigorous and hardy population, despising the rigor of -the climate, penetrated her deepest recesses, planted themselves in -the midst of her forests, and there, rich in contentment, in honest -industry and vigorous health, and above all in the unfettered exercise -of the rights of conscience, they fulfilled their work on earth, and -calmly and peacefully descended to their graves. Other generations -like themselves have filled the land; the welcome of hospitality, the -house of God, the family altar, the blessed Bible, and the thousand -endearments of home and friends,--these, all these, and unnumbered -other blessings, have been conferred upon New England by her primitive -inhabitants, and are at once the monuments of their fidelity, and the -pledges that if the sons walk in the footsteps of the fathers, she will -continue to advance in national eminence and glory. - - - - -CHAPTER EIGHTH. - - -The demon of superstition was now abroad in New England. The -unaccountable delusion of witchcraft so pervaded the public mind, that -suspicions and jealousies were engendered among the nearest friends; -perplexity and astonishment were visible in every countenance. So -strange were the movements of those who were supposed to be affected -by demons, and such the confessions of reputed witches, that men of -sober judgment and highly gifted minds were involved in the general -belief, and united in the execration of those who were believed to be -confederate with Satan and his emissaries. Neither age nor rank were -exempted from suspicion, and those who were charged with practicing -witchcraft upon almost any testimony, were arrested and committed to -prison. Many deserted their homes and went into other parts of the -country; days of fasting and prayer were multiplied; parts of the -Bible were hung around the neck, as a defence against the power of the -devil; and a constant dread of the black book which was supposed to be -in circulation among the witches, and was said to contain the terms of -treaty with Satan, kept the minds of the credulous in constant distress -and anxiety. - -This delusion, it is well known, prevailed mostly in Salem and its -vicinity. To the disturbed fancies of the populace, the very air was -peopled with demons, and Satan, loosed from his chains, was tormenting -men before their time. A few persons withstood the delusion, but it -was at the peril of their lives, if they attempted open opposition: -such was the popular frenzy that, if any question were raised as to the -reality of these unseen agencies, it was considered a fair case for -prosecution, and the bold innovator was in constant peril of reputation -and life. Still there were some who had the courage to remonstrate, and -who employed every art of persuasion and influence to stay the ruin -which they saw was coming on the land. They also favored the escape of -many who were accused; and, though believers themselves, to a certain -extent, in this kind of Satanic influence, they always opposed those -measures of cruelty and shame, in which the fatal tragedy was finally -closed. - -Among these benevolent and excellent men, the names of Willard -of Boston, Brattle of Cambridge and Higginson of Salem are most -conspicuous. These gentlemen refused all part in the witch -prosecutions, and earnestly protested against bringing the crime of -witchcraft before the civil tribunals, alleging that the individuals -charged with this sin were in the hands of God, who alone had a right -to punish them, and that the liability to mistake in the nature of -the evidence, and the want of a just discrimination, on a subject -so mysterious, entirely disqualified the courts to act upon such -cases. Their efforts, however, were in vain; yet it may be reasonably -believed that, to some extent, they were able to modify and soften -the proceedings of the courts, though it was impossible to control or -suppress them. - -Lyford started for Boston about the tenth of March, spending but a -single day at Worcester. The people at this settlement were astonished -at the tidings which reached them from Boston and Salem; but they were -fortunate enough to escape the mania, and, though disposed to the same -general belief, they viewed the cases of such as were accused in a -much more calm and benevolent light, and were disposed to regard them -as subjects of pity and prayer rather than as outcasts from God and -man. But as Lyford approached Boston, he discovered among the people -a bitter hatred of the supposed witches, and a belief that no service -could be more pleasing to God than to destroy them utterly from the -land. He saw at once the terrible engine of power, which designing -men might seize to punish private wrongs, and push their projects of -revenge for real or supposed injuries. He knew the self-blinding power -of the human mind, and how readily its dark purposes assume the form of -religious duties and wear the counterfeit of the heavenly graces. And -it was this view that filled him with apprehensions and forebodings, -which neither conscious rectitude nor the power of reason could allay. - -It was the first object of Lyford, after seeing Strale, to visit his -sister at Salem; but as he could give no satisfactory reason for his -journey, without disclosing his relation to Mary, the government of -the college refused his request, and his long absence in the winter was -assigned as the cause. In this dilemma, it was determined that Walter, -to whom this objection did not apply, should visit Salem and ascertain -the true state of things, and the danger, if any, to which Mary might -be exposed. The engagement of the parties was now publicly known, and -Walter's request was immediately granted. - -On his arrival at Salem, which was about the latter part of March, -he found such a state of consternation and terror as could scarcely -be described. Witches were every where. They would flit through the -streets after sunset; and at an early hour in the evening, demons, with -long tails and cloven feet, were stalking about, partly concealed in -mists and shadows, but taking care to show enough of their origin to -keep the good people of Salem within doors after dark, and thus they -had the whole promenade to themselves. Some of the old ladies averred -that they were visible in the day time, and that one of them was -perched in Mr. Higginson's pulpit on a Sabbath afternoon and kept the -place till the good man opened the Bible and read the passage about -resisting the devil, when he suddenly decamped, leaving behind him a -long train of fire, and filling the church with the fumes of sulphur. -Mr. Higginson did not, however, appear conscious of the victory he had -attained; for, when told of it the next day, he remarked, that he never -supposed such extraordinary power in any one passage of the Bible; -but since the testimony was so clear, he hoped they now possessed the -means of expelling all the evil spirits in Salem, and he prayed that -his people would not fail to use these weapons, as they were certainly -lawful, and their own observation had shown them to be successful. - -Mary Graham had resided, for several years, in the family of Mr. -Ellerson. This gentleman was of course acquainted with all the -circumstances of her history, and had manifested towards her the utmost -kindness and friendship. In fact, no one, at all acquainted with Miss -Graham, could fail to esteem and admire her character. It had been -the special care of Mrs. Ellerson to instruct her in all the pleasing -accomplishments of genteel life, and at the same time, to restrain -her from those amusements and follies, which dissipate the mind and -unfit it for religious contemplation and duty; she therefore gave, as -much as possible, a serious complexion to her studies and seasons of -social enjoyment. The pupil well repaid the care of the teacher, and, -at the age of eighteen, beautiful, accomplished and beloved by all, she -entered the best circles, and we have already had some glimpses of the -virtues which adorned her character. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson had been -consulted in every stage of her relations to Strale, and the affair was -not concluded without their entire concurrence and approval. Walter was -of course a welcome visiter at their house, whenever he had opportunity -and leave of absence from college. But these seasons were necessarily -very infrequent, as the college discipline allowed little time for -recreation, and required a strict attention to the regular studies. - -The circumstances in which Walter now found his friends, were -altogether new and peculiar. A gloom was spread over the town, which -was relieved by no cheerful meetings of friends, no lively airs of -music, nor even the busy hum of trade. The streets of the village were -silent as the fields that surrounded them, and the necessary offices of -kindred and friendship were imbittered by suspicion, and discharged -with indifference and coldness. The common ties of relationship and -affection were nearly dissolved, and piety itself was forced into -unnatural relations with credulity and superstition. - -About twenty persons were now in prison, awaiting their trial for -practicing witchcraft; others were daily suspected and arrested; and -there was scarcely an individual in Salem, who was not more or less -under the influence of this delusion. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson were among -the most incredulous; yet facts and statements were daily going the -rounds, which were so well supported, and the reality of this mystical -influence was so generally believed, that persons as reflecting and -considerate even as they were, did not escape the incipient stages of -the public malady. - -The hour for tea had nearly arrived, when Walter entered the parlor -of Mr. Ellerson. Mary was not at home, having engaged to pass the -afternoon and evening with the Misses Higginson. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson -were also absent, and Walter, after having spent an hour with Mary and -her companions, and engaged to return for her in the evening, went -back to await the arrival of his friends, the Ellersons. They returned -about seven o'clock, and the conversation was very soon directed to the -prevailing topic of the day. - -'You have a strange atmosphere in Salem,' said Walter; 'every thing -looks unnatural and melancholy; I hope the witches have kept away from -your house, Mr. Ellerson?' - -'They would not find very pleasant quarters here, Walter; but as -all the other houses in town are full, they may for want of better -accommodations force their way in. Their reception might be somewhat -cold, but I am told they are not very scrupulous where they once get -possession.' - -'It is a singular business,' replied Walter; 'but the more I think of -it, the stronger is my conviction that it is all a fatal delusion, -foolish, wonderful, and wicked. I have no patience with such follies. I -have heard to-day stranger things than I ever read in the tales of the -fairies, the legends of Bagdad, or the whole system of pagan fables.' - -'You are always rash, Walter. You must look at the evidence in favor -of any alleged fact, however strange, before you decide against its -truth. Have you seen any who profess to be troubled by witches?' - -'I have not,' said Walter; 'but that makes no difference; the stories -are incredible. There is no such influence at the present day, if there -ever was.' - -'I am going this evening, Walter,' said Mr. Ellerson, 'to see for -myself. There is a reputed witch, and a person said to be afflicted by -her, who reside about half a mile from us. I shall be glad if you will -go with me.' - -'Nothing will please me better,' said Walter. 'I have often felt the -influence of Satan, but have never seen him, and if he now makes his -appearance in this gross, terrestrial atmosphere, I would like to know -if my senses can discern him. I think we shall see he has many ways of -making fools of even sober and considerate men.' - -In a short time they set off, and a walk of ten minutes among the -pleasant gardens and cottages of Salem, brought them to a house, where -a crowd of people had gathered to witness the visible power of devils -over men. As they entered the room, a female dressed in the rustic -fashion of the country, was seated in a chair before them. She was -pale and silent, but there was a wildness in her appearance, and a -fierce expression in her eye, which indicated that strange elements -were at work, suppressed for the time, but liable to act at any moment -with fearful energy. A supposed witch was presently conducted into the -room. She was an old lady, of tottering gait, and apparently in very -feeble health, but perfectly self-possessed and quiet. At sight of her, -the afflicted person sprang into the air, and uttering the wildest -cries, she raved about the room, and was hardly restrained by the force -of two men from escaping to the street. In a moment more, she sat down -with comparative tranquillity; but again her frame was agitated, and -she was suddenly lifted with no visible effort, and seemed for a moment -suspended in the air; then falling on the floor, she was quiet a little -while, when she gradually assumed a sitting posture, and began to -reason with some master demon, and called upon the witch to cease her -torment. - -'I have nothing to do with your torment,' said the old lady. - -'Then it is Satan that does it, by your means,' said the girl. - -'I have nothing to do with Satan, and know not what your torments are,' -was the reply. - -'That is the way Satan blinds you. When you are gone, I have no -suffering.' - -'You have greatly wronged me,' replied the lady; 'and on this account -I have no doubt my presence is painful to you. I hope God will forgive -you, and restore that reason, which in his inscrutable wisdom he has -taken away.' - -The old lady was now removed from the room, when the afflicted person -relapsed into a state of quiet, which was of course attributed to the -absence of the exciting cause. - -'This is a juggler's game, Mr. Ellerson,' said Walter; 'that person -accused is no more a witch than I am. If it be not an intended cheat, -it is a diseased mind, or a nervous irritability, which has been -trained into a system, and acts with some regularity. These people are -some of them knaves, and most of the remainder are fools; the reputed -witch is the only one in her right mind.' - -'I cannot decide so readily as you. There is some evidence in the -Scriptures of the reality of visible, Satanic influence, but I am -inclined to believe there has been little, if any of it, since the -Christian era; but how that female preserves her stationary posture in -the air, with no visible support, I cannot imagine. If you, Walter, -are wise on this point, I wish you would enlighten me.' - -'There is some mystery in it,' said Strale, 'but so there is in every -thing. To believe such follies we must renounce common sense, and I had -almost said a belief in a beneficent Providence. I have seen persons -poised on the fingers of others, in such a manner as to be apparently -unaffected by gravitation; the cause, no one explains; but if such -cases are scrutinized, it will doubtless be found they are perfectly -consistent with natural laws. Think you, Mr. Ellerson, it is possible -that the devil has such power on earth?' - -'He is the prince of the power of the air,' replied Mr. Ellerson. 'We -know that in the time of Christ, he did exercise power over the bodies -and minds of men, and may it not be impious in us to deny that he has -such influence now, though it may be in less degree?' - -'I would not be impious or irreverent on this or any other subject,' -rejoined Walter; 'yet there are so many natural causes, which may -account for these things, that I am very slow to attribute them to -the agency of Satan. I believe a limited power over man is possessed -by the arch apostate, but it seems to me the period of its physical -developement was confined to the early ages of the Christian church, -just as the age of miracles was measured and limited by the necessities -of the church. I doubt not he retains power to tempt men. I have felt -it myself, alas! too often; but, Mr. Ellerson, since I have known Mary, -she has led me to a brighter path of contemplation and hope. I would -be no visionary theorist; I would be an humble, serious, every-day -Christian.' - -'Such, dear Walter, I would have you to be. Such, indeed, I trust you -are,' replied Mr. Ellerson. 'True piety enlightens as well as purifies; -and let not, I pray you, this mysterious delusion, for such I must -regard it, disturb your faith in that Gospel, which must be your only -hope, for time and eternity. What will be the issue of these troubles, -no one can tell. A dark cloud has come over the land; when it shall -pass away is known only to Him, to whom darkness and the day are alike.' - -They had now reached Mr. Ellerson's dwelling. It was a beautiful -habitation, and the moon was shining brightly over the garden and a -neighboring grove, and falling in placid radiance on a little stream -which glided through the field. That spot is now covered by mansions -of opulence and comparative grandeur; but the romance of the scene has -passed away, the white fence of the garden is broken down; the bed of -the stream is covered by the green earth, and the moonbeams shine over -the works of taste and art; but not with the simplicity and grace in -which they danced upon the forest oak and the tangled grove. - -Walter remained a few days at Salem, and notwithstanding the state of -things around him, it was one of the happiest periods of his life: -another and a sweeter illusion occupied his mind; the bright pictures -of coming days, undefaced by a single visible stain, passed in rapid -succession before his charmed imagination; the hopes of future years -gathered in beautiful groups on his eye, while he felt that the lovely -object, around which these visions were glittering, would soon be his -own. - -During this brief period, the conversation of the two friends was -devoted mainly to the subject of religion. The holy influences of the -Gospel had found their way to the mind and heart of Strale. He saw in a -new light the wonderful scheme of redemption; he admired and adored the -grace which had made him a partaker of its blessings, and he resolved -that his whole future life should illustrate its excellence and glory. - -We need not speak of the joy that glowed in the heart of Mary, as she -beheld and admired the change. Her cup of worldly happiness was full to -overflowing; she looked even upon the distracted community around her -in a calm reliance on Him who controls the tempest and stills its rage; -but she saw not the dark cloud that was even then gathering in her sky; -she heard not the dashing of those waves, which were soon to ingulf her -dearest hopes. The song of the sirens was too sweet to be hushed by the -distant thunder, and her unconscious feet were already treading on the -fatal shore. - - - - -CHAPTER NINTH. - - -Nothing is more essential to a well-ordered civil government, than a -well-balanced public mind; for want of this, in different ages, laws -have been framed and penalties executed in cases which go beyond the -reach of human investigation, and relate to subjects of which we can -form only faint and obscure conceptions, and consequently all the -evidence touching such cases is more or less to be distrusted. - -At the period we are now contemplating, the connection between the -spiritual world and the physical being of man was supposed to be -developed in an extraordinary degree. It was believed the boundaries -between the material and invisible states were more clearly defined, -and that strange and startling intercourse was held by mysterious -agents, on these border territories. It was indeed no novelty in those -days for the civil courts to claim jurisdiction over the rambling -vagaries of the mind, and so far as any law affecting the social or -civil compact was plainly violated, it was certainly within their -office to punish the offence; but the courts travelled out of their -way, and, invading the natural rights of man, they entered a field -of inquiry, whose dim and uncertain forms could never be reduced to -facts, or supply materials of evidence, on which a sober mind could -rely. Of this nature was the court organized by Sir William Phipps, for -the trial and punishment of witches. It had no legitimate character, -and the functions it assumed were entirely beyond the rights of any -earthly tribunal. Nevertheless, its authority was acknowledged, and -its stern and dreadful mandates were obeyed as promptly as they were -issued. The influence of this court, by giving judicial sanction to the -extravagances of the times, tended very much to strengthen and prolong -the delusion, and the remarkable infatuation of the judges overcame the -plain common sense of the jury, which but for their influence would -soon have checked the mania, and restored the public mind to calmness -and reason. - -We have before remarked, that Mr. Willard, the minister of the South -Church, was strongly opposed to the proceedings of the courts. This -was the more remarkable from the fact, that the chief justice and two -of the judges were members of his church. Mr. Willard admitted the -possibility of Satanic influence, but he denied that it was visible -in any such form as to warrant judicial interference. He remonstrated -with great earnestness against the general movements, and there is no -doubt he suffered so much reproach on this account, that his remarkable -talents and exemplary piety could scarcely sustain him. It is certain -also, that he was accused of practicing witchcraft, and though the -complaint was rejected by the court, there were not wanting those who -believed him confederate with Satan, and a direct agent in promoting -his designs upon the people of New England. There were some, however, -who took Mr. Willard's ground, and boldly maintained that the court was -illegal, and could not in any sense take cognizance of such matters. -We have already mentioned Thomas Brattle and John Leverett, tutors -of Harvard College; and there is good reason to believe President -Mather was of the same opinion, and attempted to restrain the popular -feeling; but no one was more bold than Robert Calef, an eminent -merchant of Boston, whose views on the subject were as sound and -discriminating as those of any man of that age. No individual did more -to dispel the delusion, and the records he has left behind have reared -an imperishable monument to his courage, fidelity, and success. - -Miss Graham had accepted an invitation from her friend Miss Elliott, -to spend the last two weeks of May in Boston. An intimate and endeared -friendship now existed between these two young ladies. It was greatly -promoted by Lyford, who had carefully studied the character of his -sister's friend, and there was no one in his judgment who surpassed -Miss Elliott in moral excellence, as well as mental accomplishments. -Every attention had been bestowed upon her education; and though her -manners and appearance were more formal and stately than comported with -the simplicity of the times, yet she universally secured the respect -and good-will of all classes in society. - -It was grateful to Mary's feelings to retire for a while from the -painful scenes she was every day compelled to witness at home. Her -health and spirits were sinking under the strange excitement which -pervaded the community at Salem and its neighborhood, and the change -she sought was now absolutely necessary. The two friends were entirely -agreed in matters of religious faith, and their intercourse with the -world was regulated by a scrupulous regard to Christian decorum and -example. The fashionable society of Boston was at that time professedly -religious; the outward forms of devotion were generally and greatly -respected; yet a powerful current of worldly influence was visible, -and the clergymen of those days complained that the vital power of the -Gospel was far too little manifested, in the lives and conversation of -its professors. - -On Miss Graham's arrival at Boston, she was visited by all her friends; -but the usual routine of social parties was now nearly suspended. The -painful suspicions and jealousies that were abroad had interrupted -the peace of families, and extensive divisions in the churches and -in general society were disturbing the public harmony, and shaking -the foundations of social confidence in a most alarming degree. -Still the state of things was far better than in Salem; and though -the popular feeling even in Boston went along with the belief in -supernatural agencies, yet there was enough of common sense remaining -to oppose a formidable barrier to the action of courts and judges in -the business. This conservative influence prevailed most in the first -and third churches; but in the congregation of Cotton Mather, which -was very large, there was scarcely a dissenting voice from the general -belief, and the Sabbath day exercises at the North Church were almost -exclusively governed by the impressions of an invisible world; and the -church itself was regarded as the grand post of observation, from which -the march and countermarch of Satan's ranks were discerned, while he -moved at their head, enlisting recruits for his new kingdom, about to -be established. - -On the last week in May, a day of fasting and prayer had been solemnly -observed in reference to the prevailing calamities. The point of -Satan's visible agency was now scarcely disputed, and those who doubted -or disbelieved were in too much personal danger to make any public -protest against the prevalent doctrines; yet it was scarcely possible -for one who entertained such views as Walter to avoid an occasional -sarcasm; and Miss Graham herself was disposed to treat the subject with -lightness, in the hope that its folly might in this way be more readily -seen. The high standing they occupied was to some extent security -from danger. But, on the other hand, there was a feeling of envy and -jealousy towards the unsuspecting maiden, which soon involved her in -suspicions; and Miss Hallam, who regarded Walter's attachment to Mary -with extreme displeasure, availed herself of the general distrust to -produce unfavorable impressions wherever her influence extended. - -In this state of things the last Sabbath in May arrived. The religious -exercises of the week had prepared the people to expect that their -ministers would follow up the subject, and give such views of the -whole case as comported with their own convictions, and the teachings -of Scripture. The day was singularly beautiful; the freshness of its -early dawning, and the summer breezes, that were diffusing life and -joyousness around, were expressive of a mild and beneficent Providence; -but Nature in her calm and delightful aspect, was all unconscious -of the dark figures and mysterious demons, that were thronging the -imaginations of men; her morning hymn was ascending in grateful chorus -from forest, valley, and stream; but she was no longer the handmaid -of devotion, for man refused to mingle in her silent or audible -aspirations, or in any sense, to bend the knee at her shrine. - -At ten o'clock, the bells rang for public worship, and the streets, -which till then had been silent as the desert, were now thronged -with multitudes on their way to the house of God. Sadness and sorrow -were visible in every countenance. The early flowers of spring, the -narcissus, the violet, and the snow-drop, which were wont to adorn the -dresses, or fringe the hair of the young and beautiful, were utterly -neglected, and the silent processions moved along the streets to their -respective places of worship, as if they were following the dead to -their burial. Even the church bells, which sent their cheerful melodies -among the valleys and rocks, now seemed to toll upon the ear, the -funeral dirge of all that was bright and happy in the land; the merry -laugh of childhood, the clear sunshine of the brow of youth, and the -serene tranquillity of maturer years, were suppressed and clouded by -an unseen yet terrible influence, before whose mysteries Reason was -overthrown, and Religion herself was staggered. - -Miss Elliott and Mary, accompanied by their brothers and Strale, left -home at the usual time for public worship. As they passed along on -their way to the South Church, they were deeply impressed with the -state of feeling so obvious around them; to see their fellow beings -enslaved by a superstition so unnatural and absurd; to be unable to -break the fatal spell which had fallen upon nearly all, and to mark -in the dim future those undefined yet assuredly fatal consequences, -of whose nature and extent the worst apprehensions might be indulged, -filled their minds with anxiety and sorrow. But they endeavored to turn -from these sad meditations to the hopes and consolations of the Gospel -they loved, and which they firmly believed would deliver the mind from -its debasing thraldom, and give to its emancipated powers 'the glorious -liberty of the sons of God.' - -The South Church occupied the ground on which the present edifice -stands, and its site was then called 'the Green.' It was constructed of -cedar, and for those times it was an imposing and beautiful edifice; -its tall spire, rising from the midst of a grove of buttonwood trees, -and far above all surrounding objects, was gazed at with an interest -and reverence which in these days is not often bestowed on those -significant emblems which point upward to a 'house not made with hands, -eternal in the heavens.' - -The pulpit was located, as now, in the northeast side of the building, -and directly in front was a row of seats designed for and occupied -by the elders. A small enclosure, still further in front, and facing -the congregation, was occupied by the deacons, and before them was a -platform, on which the leader of the music stood and conducted the -psalmody, in which all who were able to sing, and some who were not, -were in the habit of uniting. - -On the present occasion, the service was commenced as usual by a -prayer occupying about ten minutes, and followed by a psalm from -the New-England version then in use, which was first read by Mr. -Willard, and then given out by the ruling elder, line by line, to -the congregation. The selection for the morning was the fifty-first -psalm, and its penitential character was strikingly adapted to the time -and circumstances of their worship. Many a charming voice united in -the simple melody, and many a contrite heart mingled its confessions -and prayers, in the true spirit of devotion, with those of the pious -psalmist. - -As we wish to bring into view the principal features of Sabbath-day -worship in those times, we give the following version of the psalm, in -the words in which it was sung: - - - 'Have mercy upon me, oh God! - According to thy grace; - According to thy mercies great, - My trespasses deface. - - 'Oh! wash me throughly from my guilt, - And from my sin, me clear; - For I my trespass know, my sins - Before thee still appear. - - 'Of joy and gladness, make thou me - To hear again the voice; - That so the bones, which thou hast broke, - May cheerfully rejoice. - - 'From the beholding of my sin - Hide thou away thy face; - Likewise, all mine iniquities, - Oh! do thou clean deface.' - - -The musical critic may sneer at the peculiar metre and simple -versification, but it is probable the true design of sacred music was -far more readily attained in those days and in this homely garb, than -it can be by the high pretensions and meretricious ornaments of its -modern masters. - -The position of Mr. Willard was one of painful embarrassment. He had -publicly declared his dissent from the prevalent opinions, and in this -advanced stage of the popular delusion, when its early opposers were -every day falling into the ranks of its believers, it required no -small share of moral courage to maintain his ground. It was expected -he would now make known his opinions without reserve, and that these -opinions would appear greatly modified, if not totally changed. In this -expectation, the church was thronged by multitudes who were anxious to -quote his name and authority in support of the wild theories, which -were now so generally adopted and believed. - -The prayer which followed the music was distinguished for its -fervency and pathos, and as the pastor carried up the desires of the -congregation in his own affecting and impressive language, the fixed -and solemn attention of the audience, indicated that it was no formal -service, but one in which all the powers of the soul were deeply -absorbed. At the close of the prayer, another psalm was sung, in the -following words: - - - 'Thou hid'st in wrath and us pursuest, - Thou slay'st and dost not rue; - Thou so with clouds dost hide thyself, - Our prayer cannot pass through. - - 'Fear and a snare is come on us, - Waste and destruction; - For my folks' daughters, now mine eyes - Run water rivers down. - - 'Come thou into thy chambers, shut - Thy doors about thee fast; - Hide thou awhile, my people, - Awhile, till wrath be past. - - 'Lo! from his place God comes again - The world for sin to smite; - Earth will her blood reveal--her slain-- - Earth will bring all to light.' - - -The text was then announced, and was at once indicative of the -sentiments and designs of the preacher. It was the first verse of the -fourth chapter of John's Epistle: 'Beloved, believe not every spirit, -but try the spirits whether they be of God.' - -The preacher assumed as an undoubted fact, fully warranted by the -Scriptures, that spiritual agencies for good and ill were constantly at -work among men, but it was so difficult to define their nature, their -peculiar offices, and the extent of their power, that it was our wisdom -to avoid all speculation, except so far as was necessary to guard -against practical error. - -It was now a popular theory, that evil spirits assumed visible forms, -and were permitted to make compacts or treaties with such as were -pleased with their terms and conditions. This doctrine he denounced as -in the highest degree absurd and dangerous, declaring it was a delusion -fraught with the worst consequences, that the kind of evidence by which -this theory was supported was totally unwarranted, and could not for a -moment be trusted by a sound and discriminating mind. - -He then proceeded to analyze the mind, its nature, its liability to -mistake, its unsuspected deceits, its love of fable and delight in the -marvellous and supernatural. He pointed out the frequent errors of -the imagination; that it changes material substances, and creates in -air, on earth, and in the ocean, innumerable shapes, which it clothes -in beauty or gloom, according to the light in which these objects are -contemplated. He then described its effects on the physical system, -producing nervous agitation, fancied maladies, and strange distortions -of the countenance, which it falsely attributes to unnatural and unreal -causes. - -Such being the character of the mind, it was impossible in the nature -of the case to discriminate so accurately between its own actings and -those of spiritual agents, as to measure the criminality of persons -charged with the practice of witchcraft, or warrant the interference of -the civil law. It often happens that a state of mind, supposed to be -in the highest degree criminal, is the result of insanity and disease, -and calls for sympathy and relief, instead of reproach and punishment; -and in conclusion he declared his full conviction, that a lying spirit, -like that of the prophets of Ahab, was now abroad in the land, and in -the fulness of his grief over the public calamities, he entreated and -charged his people to try the spirits, to criticise severely every -ground of accusation; for among the devices of Satan, none were more -common than deception and fraud, and it was not impossible for him to -persuade even the pious to believe a lie, for he was a liar from the -beginning, and himself the father of lies. - -Such a sermon and at such a time, could not fail to produce a strong -excitement. As the congregation retired from the house, signs of -displeasure were manifest on every side. The high reverence in which -the character of Mr. Willard had been held, could scarcely restrain the -general feeling of anger; but there were some who deeply sympathized -with their minister, and felt that this noble testimony against the -prevailing delusion, was as imperiously demanded, as it was faithfully -and fearlessly given. - - - - -CHAPTER TENTH. - - -'It is good to see a little light in these dark days,' said Lyford, -addressing Miss Elliott on their return from church. 'Mr. Willard has -acted the hero and the christian.' - -'He has indeed,' said Margaret; 'I hope his counsels will be regarded; -for I am confident he has given them at the risk of his life.' - -'I never before heard a sermon,' said Lyford, 'which contained so much -sound mental philosophy. If feeling and fanaticism condemn it, reason -and common sense will approve. But he who has most of the former, and -least of the latter, is counted the wisest man in these days.' - -'Yet these are times,' said Margaret, 'in which the truly wise man may -add vastly to his stock of wisdom. It is interesting after all to trace -the windings and workings of this fanaticism, especially when it acts -upon such minds as Cotton Mather's. This man is a perfect paradox to -me. His mind is original and bold, yet his language is often so puerile -as to disgrace his intellect. His manners and conversation are pleasing -and often fascinating; he is beyond all his compeers in industry and -intelligence, yet his pedantry and superstition are intolerable. I have -a great desire to hear him preach this afternoon. Miss Graham also -wishes to go; and as the occasion is so remarkable, I think we shall -be justified in leaving our own church. If you and Mr. Strale will -accompany us, your curiosity at least will be gratified, and we hope -some greater good may be the result.' - -Walter and Lyford readily consented, and when the interval of public -worship had elapsed, the party went to the North Church, where the -services commenced at two o'clock. An immense congregation had -assembled, for it was understood Mr. Mather would defend the popular -theories, and on such an occasion no one could be listened to with -more interest and attention. After the preliminary exercises by Dr. -Mather, which were exceedingly interesting, and a psalm of nearly the -same character as those sung at the South Church in the morning, the -text was announced by Cotton Mather from Isaiah xxviii., 15: 'For your -covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell -shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge shall pass by, ye shall -be trodden down by it.' - -The great object of this discourse was to support the position that -Satan has confederates among men, and that some of these individuals -are parties to a covenant or agreement, in virtue of which they are -regularly enlisted in his service, and empowered to act in his behalf. - -The nature and provisions of this contract, he alleged, were in general -uniform, though in some cases slight variations were made, and now and -then special powers were conferred. The confessions of witches, and the -concurring testimony of the Bible, furnished an amount of proof on this -subject, which, however remarkable and opposed to the usual course of -events, could not be rejected without incurring the displeasure of God, -and subjecting the land to still greater encroachments from the powers -of darkness. The providence of God had unfolded a variety of facts -from which we were enabled to state the general terms and conditions on -which the confederacy was founded, and he felt it due to the occasion -and to his people to make known its principal features, in the belief -that it might induce his hearers to watch the first approaches of -Satan, and shun every possible temptation. - -To the mind, in its common apprehensions, he said the influence of -Satan was only perceived in the general forms of temptation and -suggestion; but in proportion as it yielded its consent to sin, in -these days of Satan's peculiar power, its perceptions of the invisible -world became enlarged and distinct, and the advantages and pleasure -of sin were greatly magnified, while its dreadful consequences were -thrown entirely in the back ground, and the mind was wholly occupied -in grasping at the luminous and beautiful forms which were made to -pass over the imagination. In this state of feeling the suggestions of -Satan became more rapid and distinct, until they were imbodied in a -regular system. At this stage of the transaction, Satan appears in a -visible form, adapted to the temper and feelings of his victim, doing -no violence to his natural taste, but assuming an air of dignity -and authority, blended with seeming kindness, and proffers his terms -of treaty on a scroll, in the form of interrogatory, in substance as -follows: - -First. Have you a supreme contempt for the laws and authority of God? - -Secondly. Are you disposed to resist his will, and gratify your own? - -Thirdly. Do you reject the Scriptures so called, as containing unjust -and unreasonable requirements? - -Fourthly. Do you contemn and despise the sacraments and institutions of -God? - -Finally. Do you surrender yourself, soul and body, to my service, to be -employed in whatever way I may judge conducive to the progress of my -kingdom among men? - -These questions, and others like them, are accompanied by a statement -of immunities and privileges which Satan promises to confer in case the -party gives his assent, and pledges himself to fidelity in all parts of -the compact to the best of his ability. The advantages to be conferred -on the part of Satan are as follows: - -First. He promises to preserve his subject from all personal danger, -for having entered into this contract. - -Secondly. To allow him free indulgence in whatever sins may be most -agreeable to his taste and disposition. - -Thirdly. To invest him with new faculties, by which he may enter the -spiritual world, and hold communion with kindred spirits, who inhabit -the regions of the air. - -Fourthly. To give him power over the bodies and minds of others, that -he may torment and perplex them, and then free them from disquietude -and pain, on condition that they will come over to his service. - -Finally. To give him honors and rewards in his kingdom, proportioned to -the value of his services and the degree of his fidelity. - -The terms being agreed upon, the solemn assent of both parties is -given, and the bond is written in mystical characters, sealed with a -black seal, and the miserable man signs it with a pen dipped in his own -blood. After this, all fear of God, all dread of wrath, all sensibility -of conscience, and every disposition to good cease for ever, and no -renewing grace, no sanctifying influence can evermore visit that -heart, which is thus abandoned of its Maker, and separated to all evil -and misery for ever. - -Such, continued the preacher, is the nature, and these are the terms -of this dreadful confederacy. For its proof, we have only to refer to -the facts and confessions that are daily passing under our observation. -That Satan has come down upon us in great wrath, is no longer to be -denied; that God, for wise but inscrutable reasons, has permitted this -calamity to come upon the land, no one can doubt. These reasons in due -time will be unfolded, and meanwhile we may be assured that our sins as -a community have done much to provoke God, our rightful governor, to -leave us a prey to this 'roaring lion, who goeth about seeking whom he -may devour.' - -But if any one denies that the confessions and statements which have -been so often and solemnly made, are to be relied upon, we will refer -them to an unerring record, an infallible proof that Satan possesses -such power on earth. The plainest precepts of the Mosaic law recognized -such wicked agencies, and provided for them summary and dreadful -punishment. The first king of Israel worshipped at the altar of demons, -and at the instance of a witch, the holy Samuel stood before him. -In the dim shadows of the invisible state, that venerable form, in -distinct and solemn features, was presented to his eye, and in the -strange and mystical tones of that unimagined state of being, denounced -the death and ruin of himself and his house. As we come down to later -times, we find in the days of our blessed Saviour, the presence and -power of evil spirits, and it was one of his offices of love to deliver -men from this cruel bondage; and in all succeeding times, we see -traces of the same dreadful agencies, until at length, upon this land, -consecrated to God, the visible footsteps of the destroyer are seen, -and every means of expulsion which the Scriptures warrant, must be -employed to drive him from our midst. - -Having thus stated the nature and proof of this confederacy, he -proceeded to point out the means by which the tempter might be resisted -and overcome. These, he said, were obviously watchfulness, fasting and -prayer. When a christian was faithful in these duties, there was little -danger of being overcome by temptation, and he detailed at length, the -times and seasons and the different points of character at which the -assaults of Satan would be most successfully directed, and the various -methods by which he might be repelled. He then showed that Satan -could not, and never intended to perform his part of the contract; -that so long as his subject was useful in his cause, he might defend -and protect him; but the moment his affinity with the master spirit -was detected and exposed, he seldom, or never interposed to save him -from punishment. He then closed his discourse by the most passionate -entreaties to his people, to guard against the wiles of the adversary; -to watch and pray lest they entered into temptation; to repent of -their sins, which had brought down the judgments of God on the land, -and to be fruitful in those works of faith and labors of love which -would prove the sincerity of their trust in God, and turn away from his -heritage these tokens of his anger. - -As Strale and his friends returned from church, the sermon was a -fruitful theme of conversation. 'I could almost forgive Mr. Mather for -his superstition,' said Walter, 'if it would hurt no one but himself.' - -'And why pardon it in him,' said Mary, 'when you condemn it so much in -others?' - -'Because,' returned Walter, 'I admire his genius: it is grand and -beautiful even in its illusions; he has the faculty of making rank -folly appear like luminous and well-supported truth.' - -'And it is the more criminal and dangerous for all this,' returned -Mary; 'he reminds me of a beautiful stream, which in the distance is -invested with a thousand charms. Its banks are arched with shades and -bordered with flowers. Every thing is inviting and lovely; but when -you approach, the rustling of the serpent among its bushes, and the -poisonous green on its margin, show you that Death has planted his -engines among that foliage, and hurls his arrows with destructive aim -upon the unsuspecting traveller.' - -'It is safe enough for me, Mary, to admire the beauty of that river, -provided I see its dangers and avoid them; but I am fully aware of the -justice of your views, and in the present state of public feeling, -such a sermon may do inexpressible harm. I cannot doubt Mr. Mather's -sincerity, but he ought to know better; he has the means of knowing -better and is deeply responsible for the mischievous effects of such -preaching. He has a wonderful faculty of making the worse appear the -better reason, and clothing his own hallucinations in the garb of -truth; but he will never be a safe man, and I dread his influence in -our political circles.' - -'We must deal with him in all charity,' said Mary; 'he aims to do good, -and I have a prevailing opinion of his piety, though I must confess, -the picture is shaded by many a sombre line.' - -The young friends soon reached home, and agreeably to the pious custom -of those days, each one retired to his chamber for meditation and -prayer. These duties were kept up till nearly sunset, when the family -assembled at the tea table, where no secular conversation was permitted -to intrude. The evening was usually occupied in religious conversation -or sacred music. On the present occasion, some appropriate selections -were made from the version of Sternhold and Hopkins, at that time used -by the Church of England, and the sweet voices of the young maidens -gave utterance to strains of melody which for culture and expression, -were seldom heard in the primitive days of New England. - -The later hours of the evening were spent in the garden. The moon -was riding with her starry train, in peerless beauty above them. -The fragrance of the apple blossoms filled the air, and the sweet -tranquillity of a Sabbath eve came down upon this lovely circle of -friends, as they contemplated that better land, whose vivid emblems -were shining above and around them. - - - - -CHAPTER ELEVENTH. - - -The beautiful month of June was now spreading its green ornaments over -the face of New England. Never did the early summer unfold a more -luxuriant foliage, or cover the fields with a fresher beauty, than -that which now adorned the land. The forests and gardens were vocal -with the music of birds, the rose and violet came forth in unwonted -fragrance, and a cloud of incense went up from every valley and hill, -to the praise of their Creator and Lord. The world of nature was moving -on in perfect harmony and beauty. But the world of mind was in ruins, -its stately palaces had fallen, Reason was dethroned, and a dark -mass of chaotic elements moved over its surface in mingled confusion -and horror. Spirits of evil were riding on the blast, unnatural and -distorted shapes occupied every field of thought and reflection, and -Superstition held in her mighty grasp whatever element opposed her -power, and scowled in triumph and scorn over a perverted understanding -and a misguided conscience. - -On the 10th of June, 1692, the first victim of this mournful delusion -died at the scaffold and by the hands of the public executioner. Her -indictment stated, that she had made a covenant with Satan, and in -obedience thereto, was engaged in the practice of wicked arts, to -the great annoyance of godly persons. The nature of these practices -was described at length, and consisted in the infusion of wicked and -devilish thoughts into minds hitherto pure and uncorrupt, in the -infliction of sharp pains on the hands, the neck and the limbs of the -sufferer, in various temptations to assist the devil in his nefarious -designs upon the peace and order of society, and in promises of future -rewards if the party would consent to become a subject and servant of -Satan. - -A company of nervous and agitated witnesses supported the indictment, -by testifying to the power she exerted over their minds and bodies, -and the wild actings of their own fanaticism, and its physical -effects, were imputed by them to a mysterious energy derived by the -supposed witch from the master of apostate spirits. On such evidence -as this, she was condemned by the highest court in New England, and, -by a sentence most unjust and cruel, was consigned to an ignominious -death. As the multitude, who witnessed the execution, retired from -the dreadful spectacle, it was only to tremble for themselves and for -each other: even the pleadings of mercy and the voice of pity were -suppressed, and those who dared to intimate a belief in opposition to -the prevalent opinions, were the first to be suspected and arrested. - -On the evening of this day, two persons were seen on their way to the -house of Mr. Parris, the clergyman of Danvers, at that time called -'Salem village.' One of these was a young man of genteel appearance, -and the other a female, whose dress was that of a country maiden, but -whose sharp countenance and cunning, selfish aspect denoted that she -was intelligent beyond her apparent condition. The conversation was -earnest and vehement on both sides; and as they approached the house, -the slowness of their pace indicated that their plans, or purposes, -were not fully matured. - -'This business looks too serious to me,' said the female; 'I hardly -dare undertake it. Miss Graham must be innocent; and how can I be the -cause of her death?' - -'Did you not say,' said Trellison, 'that she had been the cause of -constant torment and vexation, that she controlled your movements, and -by a look suspended your purposes; that in her presence, you would weep -or smile, without any cause whatever? Moreover, did you not see her at -that cursed sacrament of devils, where every vow is sealed by blood, -and where she solemnly ratified the hellish compact? What are all these -but proofs of her damnable affinity with Satan? You cannot go back. The -Lord requires your service, and it must be done.' - -'But, Mr. Trellison,' replied the female, 'if I take this course, what -will become of me? I shall be shunned by the good; and if Miss Graham -is acquitted, where shall I find recompense and security?' - -'Have I not told you of recompense? Is it nothing to free the world -from the possessed of Satan? Is it nothing to foil the great adversary -of soul and body? Is it nothing to free yourself from these annoyances? -Is it nothing, Clarissa, to save your own life?' - -'My own life--what is that worth, Mr. Trellison, if the mind is loaded -with conscious guilt? Even now, I start at every shadow, and imagine a -foe in every one I meet. And what is the amount of this victory over -Satan, as you call it? Why it seems to me, such a victory would be -my ruin. But I have started in the race, and fate seems to press me -onward. I may be doing God service. Will you, Mr. Trellison, pledge -yourself that my reward shall be reasonable and sure?' - -'I have pledged my word, and the assurances of all the faithful are -yours, that whatever injury any one suffers in this righteous cause, -shall be fully recompensed. You shall be rewarded.' - -They now separated as they approached the house, and Clarissa, who -had been fully instructed in the part she was to act, entered the -kitchen, and took her place with the servant, with whom she had long -been acquainted. Trellison, as he entered the parlor, saw Mr. Parris, -through an open door, seated in his library alone. They had long been -familiar acquaintances, and though the clergyman was many years his -senior, yet he was fully aware of the reputation of his friend for -piety, and had known him personally since his first entrance at Harvard -College. After some desultory conversation, the mournful events of the -day were called up, and Mr. Parris remarked, that he looked back upon -its scenes with extreme agitation and horror. 'Surely, Mr. Trellison,' -said he, 'it was a dreadful sacrifice. But how could it be avoided?' - -'It was a sacrifice well pleasing to the Lord,' said Trellison. 'Why -start, Mr. Parris, at the sternness of the divine command? Must our -pity overcome our sense of obligation?' - -'No indeed,' said Mr. Parris; 'and here is the bitterness of the trial. -He that putteth his hand to the plough, is forbidden to look back: but -how can I behold such misery without a tear of pity?' - -'When Abraham was commanded to slay his son,' said Trellison, 'he -laid him on the altar and took the knife in his hand. Was there any -misgiving? Doubtless pity moved his heart; but his hand was true to the -divine mandate, and he only forbore at the express command of God.' - -'But are we equally sure, that God commands us to this work of -violence? Might we not by prayer disarm the Tempter, and drive him from -our midst?' - -'Faith without works is dead; and how can we expect the blessing of -God, but in the use of means? Shall Satan rage in our land, and the -servant of God remain idle at his post? Every thing depends on the -energy and zeal with which this arch-apostate is hunted and driven from -his hiding places; and those, who harbor him and practice his wicked -devices, must perish without mercy.' - -'True, most true, Mr. Trellison: forgive the momentary, the sinful -pity, which would, if indulged, unnerve my hand, and draw me back from -the service of God. I would not shrink from my duty; but I am startled -and confounded at the numbers who have engaged in this cursed league -with Satan. They must be punished. You are aware, that a society has -recently been formed for the discovery and punishment of witches. This -scroll was brought to me to-day by a member, and all the persons on -this list will be watched, and probably most of them arrested. If you -know of other cases, where the charges can be supported by competent -evidence, it will be my duty to present them to the society.' - -Trellison took the list, which contained the names of seven or eight -persons. Most of these had long been suspected; but the last name on -the scroll was that of one, whose blameless life and holy profession -had hitherto given him a high rank in the community. It was the Rev. -George Burroughs, a minister of the gospel, of the same religious faith -as that of Mather, Parris and their associates, and perfectly exemplary -in his deportment and conversation. - -'And has it come to this?' said Trellison. 'Oh, the power of these -hellish arts, that have profaned even the house of God, and turned the -servant of Christ to a minister of Satan! But I can hardly credit what -you say. Is the proof convincing?' - -'Perfectly so,' said Mr. Parris. 'He was Satan's minister at that -dreadful sacrament, in which most of those now in prison bound -themselves to his service by their own signature, under the bloody -seal. Moreover, he has the promise of being a prince in Satan's -kingdom; and he took one of those faithful maidens, who have put their -lives in jeopardy for the service of God, and carried her to a high -mountain, where, after the fashion of his master, he showed her the -glory of the world, and promised to give her all, if she would but -sign her name. But she wisely told him, those things were not his to -give, and refused to sign. Such is the evidence against Mr. Burroughs. -There is no alternative; we have canvassed the whole matter, and he -must die.' - -'So perish all the enemies of the Lord!' said Trellison. 'And now, Mr. -Parris, there is yet one name to be added to that gloomy catalogue. -Until now, I have not been nerved with strength to go forward in this -divine work, and while my heart rebels at every step and my whole frame -is convulsed with agony, I pronounce the name of Mary Graham.' - -Mr. Parris started from his seat. 'Such a name, and from you, Mr. -Trellison?' - -'Tremble not, my friend, nor wonder at what seems so strange. I have -had such revelations from the Lord, such experience of her dreadful -compact with the Prince of darkness, and such proofs from others who -know her well, that, upon the peril of my soul, I dare not disobey a -voice louder than seven thunders to my ears. Miss Graham is bound over -to Satan!' - -'I cannot credit your assertions, Mr. Trellison: Miss Graham is above -all suspicion. If such a mind is affected by this dreadful influence, -who of us shall escape?' - -'Nevertheless you must,' said Trellison. 'I was once held in bondage -by her magic arts: but, thanks to God, my soul is now at liberty; -escaped, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler. But others are still -entangled in her yoke of bondage, and they must be liberated. Some of -our students have fallen under her power, and under this roof is one -who is daily persecuted by her devices. Clarissa Snow, the faithful -servant of Mr. Ellerson, is now here, and will tell you in person what -she has suffered.' - -'Oh, righteous God!' said Mr. Parris, 'spare me this heavy blow! let -not thy wrath wax hot against thy servant; and if this work of judgment -must proceed, consign it, I beseech thee, to other hands, and let no -more blood be found in my skirts!' - -'What means this language?' said Trellison. 'Has not God vouchsafed -to you his peculiar presence and blessing? has he not revealed to you -these mysteries of iniquity, and made you the honored instrument of -bringing to light the hidden things of darkness? will you pause in the -work to which he calls you? - -'I cannot pause,' replied Mr. Parris; 'but I know not how to proceed. -Once more, I appeal to Heaven for the rectitude of my purposes; and if -I am the chosen instrument to sweep the chaff from his threshing floor, -I can only say--Oh God, thy will be done! let me not turn back from -this work; let me not blench in this terrible conflict with the powers -of darkness; let me not turn my hand from the shedding of blood, till a -voice from the excellent Glory tells me to forbear!' - -'And now,' he added, 'your testimony shall be examined, and if it be -such as the revelations of God to my own soul shall approve, Miss -Graham, whatever may be the consequences, must be arrested.' - -In a few moments, Clarissa was introduced, and to the several questions -that were asked, she replied in such a manner as confirmed the -statements of Trellison. She complained of various torments in the -presence of Miss Graham, which torments ceased when she was absent. -She also complained of dark purposes and evil thoughts, which always -vanished when Miss Graham was out of sight. - -It is not necessary to repeat more, for the credulous clergyman was -easily convinced; and moreover, these results accorded with those -inward revelations which to him were conclusive evidence of her guilt; -and he now, though with a trembling hand, added her name to the list of -victims. - -This was but the first step in the dark machinations of Trellison. -He knew the ground he occupied was treacherous: but confiding in the -strength of the public delusion, and perhaps believing, in part, he -was doing God service, he was emboldened to proceed and carry on his -designs of blood. In the picture, which the conversation we have -related gives of his character, the lines are deepened to an uncommon -shade of guilt. But in the midst of the revenge he sought, there were -feelings of gloomy fanaticism, which probably concealed from his own -view the enormity of his purposes, and even clothed them with a false -lustre. He was a believer in these compacts with Satan; and the very -unaccountable testimony of credible witnesses had led him to look upon -those who practiced witchcraft, as persons who must be cut off, and the -land be purged, in this way, from the demons who had broken loose upon -it. Yet in the midst of all, there must have been moments, when the -accuser Conscience broke in upon his refuge of lies, and upbraided him -with a purpose, which came nearer to the acts of Satan, than any which -visible evidence had yet developed. - - - - -CHAPTER TWELFTH. - - -Soon after the return of Lyford from Hadley, Strale having no longer -any special occasion for Pompey's services, determined to give him his -liberty, in advance of the time specified by his father. He accordingly -informed Pompey that he now wished him to enjoy the luxury he had -so long desired, that of being his own master. Walter furnished him -with a small sum of money, and Mr. Gardner assured him he should have -employment about the wharf at reasonable wages. Pompey was in raptures -in the possession of his newly acquired liberty, and for many days his -enjoyment was unbounded. But he had no notion of being employed as a -laborer; and having procured a fashionable hat, with silk stockings -and a coat well covered with gilded buttons, and silver buckles on his -shoes, Pompey strutted up and down King street for a month or more, to -the great amusement of the shop keepers, and with such vast opinions of -his own consequence, as no amount of ridicule could possibly diminish. -But the golden dream could not last always; it was not broken, however, -till the last penny of his cash had disappeared, when he awoke to the -consciousness that he had played the fool, and that his pretensions -to the character of a gentleman of leisure must be abandoned. In this -condition, he had recourse to Strale as his only friend, and begged him -to find employment for him on a farm, at a distance from town, where -he was willing to go back to his old habits of labor and care. Walter -had taken no pains to arrest him in his course of folly, believing that -experience was the only cure for his extravagant dreams; but he was -very willing to assist him in any way, that might promote his good, and -accordingly procured for him a situation on a farm in Danvers, occupied -by Mr. Putnam, a highly respectable man, who promised to watch the -motions and check the follies of Pompey, as much as might be in his -power. - -It was a new and not very agreeable scene to Pompey. He had no chance -for the display of authority; but was ordered to mind his own -business, whenever he presumed to step out of his sphere. This life of -discipline was too severe to be endured, and he gradually became remiss -in his labors, until at length, it required the constant exercise -of authority to induce him to labor at all. In this condition, he -contrived various methods of escape from a post that was every way -disagreeable; but he well knew, that if he left Mr. Putnam without -good reason, he had nothing further to expect from Walter. Happily for -him, as he thought, the witch delusion was now advancing with a power -which nothing could resist; he saw the influence and importance which -had been gained by the impostors who pretended to be afflicted; and -there seemed no way so likely to mend his fortunes as to be afflicted -himself, and then turn informer. - -With a view to carry out this policy, Pompey went to Mr. Parris and -entered a complaint against his master. He declared, that Mr. Putnam -tormented him night and day, and that strange things were going on at -the farm; that one morning a field of grass was cut without hands, -and the hay was put into the barn, perfectly dry in one hour after -cutting; and that only the day before, as he was at work loading -hay, Mr. Putnam stood at a long distance from him, with a hayfork in -his hand, and that, in a mysterious manner, the fork entered his arm, -inflicting a severe wound, the effects of which were now visible. These -wonderful events excited the astonishment of the clergyman, who sent -for the farmer, and requested his attendance on the afternoon of the -next day. - -A few minutes after Trellison's departure, the farmer entered the room, -and found his minister in a reclining posture, and apparently absorbed -in deep meditation. 'I have come,' said he, 'Mr. Parris, in obedience -to your summons, and wish to know your pleasure.' - -'Satan is among my flock, Mr. Putnam, and as the good shepherd careth -for his sheep, I have feared you may be entangled in his wiles.' - -'In my belief, and I am sorry to say it,' said the farmer, 'Satan has -more to do with the minister than among the people.' - -'Dare you speak thus to the Lord's ambassador, his commissioned and -anointed servant, whom he has clothed with the helmet of salvation, -and the shield of faith, that he may quench the fiery darts of the -devil?' - -'You claim a high character, Mr. Parris; but I have heard of wolves in -sheeps' clothing, and the course you are pursuing, leaves me in little -doubt whose servant you are.' - -'What other language than this is to be expected from those who have -signed the black book, and eaten the sacrament of devils. You have sold -yourself to the service of Satan, and these are the cursed fruits of -your compact; it was to question you on this point, that I sent for you -to-day, and you owe it to my forbearance, that your name is not now on -the scroll of the accused. I wished to know whether the evidence of -your servant Pompey could be relied on. Your own language now convinces -me of its truth, and you will soon reap the wages of your iniquity.' - -'I well know,' replied Mr. Putnam, 'how little evidence it takes to -satisfy you, when you are resolved to carry out your purposes. Your own -inward convictions, you say, support the evidence of my servant. It -will, however, be well for you to inquire, how far his testimony may be -trusted. I have brought him with me, that you may question him in my -presence.' - -'It is a grace you do not deserve, but to show you my forbearance and -lenity, I will admit and question him now. You shall not be condemned -without a hearing.' - -This concession from Mr. Parris was sudden and unexpected; but he knew -the sturdy character of Putnam, his excellent reputation, and the -danger of pushing matters to extremity. He was therefore glad of the -opportunity to come down from the high ground he had taken, and to -assume the appearance of fairness and liberality. - -Pompey was now introduced, and the poor African was in no very enviable -position, between the two inquisitors; but he made the best of his -circumstances, and sat down quietly to undergo the examination. - -'You seem to be in a calmer state to-day, Pompey,' said the clergyman; -'I hope the cause of your trouble is removed.' - -'Witch gone, Massa Parris, all gone; Pompey well as ever.' - -'Thanks be to God!' said the clergyman; 'he has heard my prayer. I -wrestled with him a full hour on your account, and he gave me faith to -believe that the devil would be cast out.' - -'Massa Putnam got the witch out; he did it all himself--nobody helped -him.' - -'What do you mean, Pompey? I do not understand you.' - -'I must now explain,' said Putnam, 'and am willing to apologize for -the language I used when I came in, so far as to express my belief -that you are under a strong delusion, and I do not wish to impute to -you corrupt and wicked motives. You have been a good minister, and a -kind man in past years, and you well know that in the contest for your -parish rights, I have taken your side and supported your claims; but -in these witch prosecutions, I have been astonished at the madness of -your course, and can only account for it on the ground that you are -partially insane; and now in regard to the change in Pompey, I will -tell you all the facts. I went out this morning to oversee some men -whom I had employed to dig a well. Pompey was there, dancing about in -strange attitudes, and presently he threw himself on the ground and -began to bite the roots of a tree, and fill his mouth with gravel. I -asked him the cause of his strange conduct, and his only reply was, -'Witch, Massa, witch got into Pompey.' - -'Who put the witch in, Pompey?' was my next question. - -'You, Massa; all well, when you go away.' - -'Well, Pompey,' said I, 'if I made you sick, I ought to cure you. The -same person who put the witch in, ought to drive the witch out; and -taking him to a tree, I gave him, at least, forty stripes, every one -of which seemed to possess a magic power. The witches fled in every -direction, and I have brought him to you to-day, clothed, and in his -right mind. Now, Mr. Parris, I would not detract from the efficacy -of your prayers; you know my reverence for religion; but in my poor -opinion, if you would take those four wicked girls, (one of whom, I -grieve to say it, is my niece, and bears the honest name of Putnam,) -and apply the same remedy which has done so much for Pompey, no sign of -witchcraft would be seen, and the community would be restored to reason -and common sense.' - -So saying, the farmer took his departure with Pompey, leaving the -minister to his own reflection, and to the deep mortification and -shame, in which his own credulity and folly had involved him. - -The position of Mary Graham was now critical and alarming. Since her -return to Salem, she had boldly condemned the witch proceedings, and in -every circle where she moved, her whole influence was directed against -the prevailing delusion. Unappalled by the dangers that surrounded her, -she extended her sympathy and pity to those who were in prison, and -favored the escape of some who were in imminent danger of arrest. In -these offices of love and charity she was nearly alone; for though her -friends admired her courage and fortitude in the cause of humanity, yet -few of them dared to imitate her example. She wrote to Walter and her -brother, begging them in concert with Mr. Willard to see Dr. Mather, -who had returned from England, and enlist his influence to suspend -all further prosecutions. But this good man, though he deplored the -excesses into which the community was rushing, either believed the -evil would soon be cured, or was so far influenced by his son, that he -could not be induced to take a bold stand against the courts; yet it is -believed he used much private remonstrance and expostulation, and it -was generally supposed the public movements had none of his countenance -and support. - -Walter replied to Mary's letter, and informed her that no measure had -been left untried with Sir William Phipps and his advisers; but nothing -could be done; the delusion had seized the minds of the most gifted men -in the land, and it was vain to hope for relief until the public malady -had run its course; and he expressed his fears that her own standing -in society, and the general esteem in which she was held, might not -prove a sufficient protection against the envy and malice of some, and -the credulity and superstition of others. He expressed his admiration -of the course she had taken, but in the present violent stage of the -delusion he thought it would be best for her to retire from active -participation in any remedies which might be applied, as they could -not benefit others, and might be attended by the worst consequences to -herself. - -Stoughton's court was now in full operation. His associates were -Gedney, Winthrop and Sewall. This court was confessedly illegal, but -the urgency of the occasion was considered a sufficient warrant for its -organization. It was, in fact, an exparte tribunal, as all the judges -were known to favor the superstition, and the only hope for those who -were brought before it was in the jury, who were so perplexed and -overawed, as in general to conform their verdicts to the known opinions -of the court. - -While affairs remained in this state, there was little prospect of -relief from courts and judges. No other hope remained than that the -delusion would soon show itself in forms so extravagant and revolting -as to excite the contempt and rouse the indignation of the public. -This conviction soon reached the mind of Miss Graham, and she forbore -to remark upon the subject with her accustomed freedom. In fact it was -no longer safe to ridicule or condemn; and with all her popularity -and the universal esteem in which she had been held, it was evident -she was now regarded with distrust and suspicion. Mr. Ellerson, whose -views in general agreed with those of Mary, was extremely guarded and -cautious, and often suggested to her his fear that she spoke with too -little reserve. In fact, she was soon painfully convinced on this -point: many of those whom she loved, began to withdraw from her -society, and in various methods discovered their coolness and reserve. -She was no longer welcomed with the smile of confidence and affection, -and her evening walks, in which she was usually attended by several -young ladies and gentlemen, were either wholly omitted or kept up in -solitude. This change of the public feeling towards Mary was equally -sudden and startling. She was unable to perceive the causes, or trace -the insidious agents, who were fastening their toils around her. -Neither explanation nor satisfaction could be had, and the mysterious -reserve still gathered and increased, wherever she went. Some of her -friends, particularly the Higginsons, confessed they dared not be seen -in her society, while they privately assured her that their friendship -was unabated, and begged she would still regard them with confidence -and love. - -There was a beautiful walk on the ground now occupied by the Salem -Common and the buildings on its left, in the direction towards Beverly. -This was a favorite resort for Mary, a place where she indulged in -many a happy contemplation on the works of nature, and the wonders -of Providence: here too, in the sweet interchange of sympathy and -affection with her young companions, she found sources of innocent and -unalloyed satisfaction, and sometimes when alone, as she penetrated the -depths of the forest and sat down on the green border of the rivulet, -or under the shade of the magnificent elm, she realized what the poet -many years after sung, in numbers that will never cease to move the -contemplative and pious mind: - - - 'The calm retreat, the silent shade - With prayer and praise agree; - And seem by thy sweet bounty made, - For those who follow thee.' - - -Though forsaken in great measure by her friends, Mary continued her -visits to this chosen retreat, and there, in pensive recollection of -other days, and a humble trust in Providence, she found solace and -support for her disturbed and anxious mind. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson, -conscious of her innocence, did every thing in their power to soothe -her feelings and sustain her sinking courage, but her sensitive mind -drooped under the cold neglects of the world, and she even imagined -that Walter's letters, though written in all the warmth of affection, -began to show symptoms of coldness. Mr. Ellerson thought it his duty -to inform Lyford of the state of things, and request his immediate -attendance at Salem: this was accordingly done without her knowledge, -and on the evening of the twenty-sixth of June, she found herself in -the arms of her affectionate and sympathizing brother. - -Lyford was soon convinced that some deep laid plan had involved Mary in -the suspicion and distrust of the community; but while he trembled at -the dangers which surrounded her, his first object was to soothe her -feelings, by the kindest offices which affection could suggest, while -he constantly revolved in his mind the most probable methods for her -deliverance. He wrote immediately to Strale, concealing none of the -difficulties and dangers of the case, but requesting he would not now -visit Salem, as he feared it might increase the danger, and excite a -greater watchfulness against any means that might be devised for her -escape. - -The next evening, Lyford and his sister walked together and visited -the place which was so much endeared to her, by its many delightful -associations. It was a fitting occasion to reveal all her griefs, and -Lyford no longer wondered at the unbroken sadness of her feelings. She -informed him, that as she walked on the borders of a little stream in -the forest, she had several times heard voices, pronouncing her real -name, and sometimes accompanied by a soft strain of music, inviting -her to new habitations among the immortals, and making promises of -every kind of enjoyment, if she would but consent to join a company -of spirits now on a visit to earth, and offering her distinctions and -honors in a new kingdom, which was about to be established in the -world. In conclusion, she had no doubt a conspiracy had been formed -against her reputation and life, and she believed Trellison had set in -motion these unseen agencies, which she feared would soon betray her to -prison and death. - -'And now, dear brother,' said she, 'what can I do? friends have -deserted me on every side; wherever I turn, I meet no response to the -most common offices of friendship and good will. When the Sabbath -comes, that day of holy rest, whose heavenly influences have fallen so -peacefully on my heart, it brings no relief to my troubled spirit: in -the very temple of God, I see nothing but averted faces or disturbed -looks, and I go and come more lonely and neglected than even the -sparrow, who finds a nest for herself among the altars of God.' - -'I know not what it means,' said James; 'I am sure, Mary, it is not -safe for you to remain here, and yet to attempt flight would probably -be followed by instant pursuit, and go to confirm the suspicions that -already exist. I shall not leave you, but we will consult together, and -our earnest prayers must go up to Heaven for light and deliverance.' - -'I have thought, James,' said Mary, 'that it is no longer of any use -to conceal my name. The purpose intended by this concealment has been -answered; and though it may prejudice my cause still more with the -authorities at Boston, yet, in my present circumstances, I wish there -may be no ambiguity or deception in any part of my conduct: besides, -it is already known to some extent, for it has been repeated in yonder -woods in my hearing.' - -'You are right, Mary,' replied her brother. 'I believe more good than -evil will result from the disclosure: I will get Mr. Ellerson to -mention the facts to a few of his friends, and they will soon become -generally known; but dear Mary, do not sink under this load of sorrow; -Walter and myself will love you even unto death. It is a dark day, but -light may arise, and I feel assured that your deliverance will in some -way be effected.' - -'Ah! my brother,' said Mary, 'I would that such a hope could send -its reviving influence to my heart, but I have the most gloomy -anticipations and painful forebodings of the result. As I was walking, -a few evenings since, by the side of this beautiful stream, I was -enabled to cast my eye forward to the land of perfect and eternal -repose; the lovely images of nature reflected to my mind the glories of -the heavenly world, and I longed to put on the garments of immortality -and walk among those pleasant landscapes, where the storms of trouble -never blow. But the strife will soon be over, and 'mortality will then -be swallowed up of life.'' - -'Why speak so mournfully, dear Mary? This world is not yet a desert, -which no flower of hope nor green beauty of summer can adorn. Winter -may come with its frost, but spring will return and bring freshness, -blossoms and life in its train. There is a bright side to the picture; -do not refuse to behold it.' - -'Hush,' said Mary, 'hear you not the voices in yonder forest?' James -paused, but no sound reached his ear. The wind sighed mournfully along, -as if in sympathy with the sadness which had fastened deeply on the -minds of brother and sister, as, arm in arm, they walked on the borders -of the forest. - -'Listen again,' said Mary; 'surely you must hear them, James.' - -A low strain of music, like a faint chorus of voices, now fell upon his -ear; in a moment it swelled to a distinct sound and sent its notes of -melody among the valleys and rocks. A few words only of the first and -second verses were distinguished, but every sound became more clear and -impressive, until the following lines were distinctly understood: - - - 'On the bright and balmy air, - On the summer clouds we ride, - From our golden realms we bear - Jewels for our master's bride. - - 'Mary, in the bowers above, - Sweetest groves of fairy land, - We will crown thee Queen of Love, - Princess of the fairy band. - - 'Where the living palm-trees grow, - Where the crystal waters glide; - Realms untouched by want or wo, - Thou shalt be our master's bride. - - 'Far below the sunny waves, - We have gems and jewels rare, - Pearly grots and coral caves, - Thou shalt be our mistress there.' - - -At this stage of the music the words became inaudible, until the sound -died away in the forest, and the quiet stillness of the evening again -rested on the landscape. - -'These are strange things, Mary,' said her brother, 'but they are -only a part of the snares which are intended to betray you. Time will -soon disclose all; meanwhile, have courage, my dear sister; in your -conscious rectitude you will find consolation and support; in God there -is abundant strength, and what man can do shall be faithfully done. -Have no distrust of Walter; his love to you is all you can desire; he -would be here to-day but for my cautions and warnings. As the danger -thickens around you, we will watch and protect you at every step; but -let us not trust in ourselves; it is not to be denied that your danger -is great, and I am now of opinion that immediate flight is necessary: -we will consult our friends to-night, and what we do must be done -quickly.' - -They soon returned home; it was too late for any hope of flight, and -that very evening, Mary Lyford, by a warrant from the magistrate, -was placed in the custody of the sheriff, to await her trial for the -practice of witchcraft and sorceries. - - - - -CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. - - -The news of Miss Lyford's arrest, and the disclosure of her real -name, produced a deep sensation in the community. The victims of this -delusion had been hitherto taken from the lower walks of life, and this -first attack upon the high places of society, while it shocked the -feelings of many, served to reconcile the populace to the action of the -courts, as it indicated that no influence of wealth or standing would -be allowed to protect the guilty from punishment. Such was the state of -the public mind, that except among Mary's immediate friends, no effort -was made, or contemplated, for her deliverance. The sin of witchcraft -was of too deep a dye to be forgiven; and the common doctrine was, -that religion itself must turn away from such deadly foes to God and -man. When the warrant was served, she was immediately removed from -her friends, and placed in the care of an officer, who was directed to -furnish an upper room in his house for her reception, and to guard her -with ceaseless vigilance. There was little occasion for this warning, -for the officer, whose name was Harris, would have thought himself -bound over to perdition, had he suffered any prisoner in charge for a -crime so enormous, to escape. All access to Miss Lyford was forbidden, -except to her brother and Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson, who, assured of -her innocence, did not scruple to express to the officer the utmost -indignation and horror, at the violence thus done to one of their own -family. - -It was scarcely possible to realize the change which the period of -a single month had produced. The whole affair of Mary's arrest and -confinement seemed so like a dream, that they could hardly persuade -themselves of its reality. But in a short time they saw the full extent -of her danger, and had little doubt her death would be demanded by the -populace, and that the court, whatever might be its wishes, would not -dare to refuse the victim. The kind of evidence which was then current -and considered valid, was so completely interwoven with every feature -of her case, that her guilt, in the public view, was already proved. -In these circumstances, Mr. Ellerson and his lady forbore to excite -the populace, by public denunciation; but in their own circle of high -respectability and influence, they were loud in their demands for her -release, and insisted that some sinister motive had betrayed her into -the toils of the accuser. - -Lyford had accompanied his sister to the jailer's room, where he -provided every convenience which the rough and superstitious keeper -would allow. For several days before her arrest, Mary had been prepared -for the worst; and she calmly resigned herself into the hands of the -law, to await an issue, which she from the first apprehended would be -fatal. There was no visible emotion in her countenance, but a deep -melancholy had fallen upon those lovely features, which in their mild -and beautiful, yet pensive and solemn aspect, would have excited in any -heart, not steeled by fanaticism, the liveliest interest and sympathy. -No ray of light could penetrate the cloud that shaded her earthly -hopes, and her spirit was now struggling to free itself from worldly -ties, and to move in a calmer region, beyond this stormy and distracted -world. - -The next day after Mary's arrest, Lyford returned to Boston, to -communicate the tidings to Walter, and prevent any rash or violent -measure, to which his vehement temper might prompt him. No language -can describe his feelings, when the facts were disclosed by Lyford; -but the strong excitement of his mind was soon subdued by the calm -remonstrances of his friend, who assured him that every thing depended -on coolness and deliberation. Walter immediately laid upon himself the -most severe restraints, and while he vowed to effect her deliverance, -or perish in the attempt, he soon became so entirely the master of his -own feelings, that no perceptible change was visible in his deportment. -His first impulse was to proceed directly to Salem; but Lyford -convinced him that such a step would be worse than useless, as he would -not be permitted to see Mary, and it might throw serious obstacles in -the way of her escape. It was therefore concluded he should remain at -home, and that no interview with Mary should be attempted, but through -the medium of her brother. - -The trial of Miss Lyford took place about the middle of July. Several -witnesses were examined, whose testimony was considered conclusive of -her guilt. Clarissa, Mr. Ellerson's servant, testified to the strange -influence she exerted over her, and even in court took care to exhibit -one of those remarkable fits of agitation and nervous excitement, -which were universally satisfactory to the judges. Another witness -declared she had seen Miss Lyford walking alone in the neighborhood of -the forest, and that mysterious voices were heard in the woods, and -unearthly music, and she remembered and repeated some lines, which -intimated that she had consented to become one of a band of spirits, on -account of which, she was soon to be crowned queen of a new kingdom, -and to receive an untold amount of riches. Other testimony of a similar -character was produced, but Trellison took care not to appear in the -case; he did not choose to involve himself in unnecessary difficulties, -and was probably aware that revenge for his known disappointment might -be assigned as a motive for his testimony, and thus defeat the great -object he had in view. - -Such was the nature and amount of the evidence, it was scarcely -possible to expect an acquittal. The examination was indeed prolonged, -beyond the usual time, perhaps with a view to give some notion of the -lenity of the court; but when the case was given to the jury, they -scarcely hesitated, and when the verdict was demanded, it was with a -bolder voice than usual, that the foreman pronounced the fatal word, -"Guilty!" There was a deep solemnity and silence in the thronged court -room, though little sympathy was manifested for the unoffending and -beautiful maiden, whose fate was now so certain. The public frenzy had -sealed the fountains of compassion, and the judge soon after pronounced -sentence of death, to be executed on the twentieth of the following -August. - -We have not yet spoken of the demeanor of Miss Lyford, during this -fearful period. Suffice it to say, it was calm and dignified, worthy -her illustrious descent, and adorned by every christian virtue. Her -confidence was not in man; and though her ties to life were of the -strongest character, she could contemplate death without dismay. The -shock attending the trial and sentence was indeed great, but the gospel -was present to her aid with its well-springs of consolation, its life -of immortality, and 'its exceeding weight' of future and eternal -glory. Her eye of faith looked beyond the tempests of that awful night, -whose fearful horrors thickened over her, and beheld the rising day of -celestial glory. - -The friends of Mary now sought from Gov. Phipps, through the kind -offices of his lady, the executive clemency: but the faint hope they -entertained of a pardon, soon died away in total despair. Sir William -absolutely refused to interpose, and his purpose was strengthened -by his knowledge of her name and descent, which were more odious to -him, if possible, than her imputed witchcraft. But when it came to -be announced that the young lady hitherto known as Miss Graham, was -a relative of the venerated Goffe, a feeling of sympathy and pity -was strongly and generally manifested; but its public exhibition was -soon hushed by a sense of personal danger; every one was too deeply -concerned for himself, to bestow much solicitude upon the fate of -others. - -Other methods were now adopted, and high rewards were offered in -private, to bold and adventurous men, if they would procure her escape -from prison: but no one could be found of sufficient courage to make -the effort. Walter then attempted to bribe the jailer; but that -resolute officer would not be tampered with. He was too much concerned -for his own soul, he said, to suffer a witch to escape. He redoubled -his vigilance; other sentinels were also placed on guard, and no access -to Miss Lyford was permitted, except an occasional visit from James, -who now spent all his time at Salem; and even this boon was with great -difficulty obtained. - -On these occasions, James bore to his sister the most affecting -memorials of Walter's continued love, and assured her of his belief -that some way of escape would yet open, and that all his time and -thoughts were employed in devising plans for her deliverance. Mary, -however, placed little reliance on such deceitful grounds of hope, and -remitted nothing of her endeavors to prepare for the awful scene that -awaited her. It was indeed grateful to see such proofs of Walter's -affection, in the midst of all the obloquy which had clouded her name, -and made her the reproach and scorn of the community; but her ties -to earth were loosening, the glorious visions of the heavenly rest -absorbed her mind, and she looked beyond the troubled stream she must -soon cross, to a land of undecaying beauty and eternal repose. - -All the efforts of James and Walter were warmly seconded by the -Ellersons; and in their frequent conversations, every suggestion -that prudence could make, was carefully balanced and weighed. But it -was reserved for the fertile invention of Strale, to devise the only -expedient which seemed to offer the least chance of success; and though -this was confessedly romantic and extremely difficult to manage, it was -resolved to make the trial. - -Near the house of Mr. Harris, who had charge of Miss Lyford, there was -a small cottage, occupied by a poor but honest laborer, named William -Somers. This man was an ardent admirer of Gen. Goffe, and had once -seen and conversed with him at his retreat in Hadley. Moreover, he was -a sturdy Puritan, and in high reputation for honesty and piety: no -one ever questioned his integrity, and he was the last person to be -suspected of any plot against the peace of the community, Somers was -just the man for the present emergency; and as soon as Miss Lyford's -name was publicly disclosed, he went to Mr. Ellerson, and volunteered -his services in any proper measures for her release, assuring him he -might rely on his fidelity. There was little need of this assurance, -for Somers was never known to break his word or slight his engagements. -The location of Somers' cottage was very favorable, and in fact -essential to the success of the plan, as no other house near that -of Harris could possibly be obtained. His offer of assistance was -therefore gratefully accepted, and he was at once admitted to the -councils of Mary's friends. The progress of our narrative will develope -the means that were employed, and the consequences that followed. - -The policy now to be adopted, required that Walter should no longer -keep up his relations to Miss Lyford, and that he should so far -acquiesce in the public feeling, as to offer no vindication, or even -suggest a wish in her behalf. It was no easy task to pursue this line -of conduct; but as it did not require a positive disavowal of his -engagement, he felt justified in assuming such a degree of indifference -to her fate, as might be necessary for the successful prosecution of -his designs. - -Among Mary's friends in Boston, there were very few who did not follow -the fashion of the world, in deserting the unfortunate, and leaving -them to struggle alone in their wretchedness, without sympathy or -consolation. Miss Hallam, Mary's earliest and most intimate friend, -was one of the first to forsake her. In fact, this young lady was -never pleased with the attentions which were so liberally bestowed on -Miss Lyford, and it was more than suspected that her own attachment -to Strale, reconciled her to the impending fate of her friend. She -saw, with scarcely disguised pleasure, that Walter seemed to regard -Mary with little interest, and as he was now a frequent visiter at -her father's, she began to hope his affections were already enlisted -in her behalf. There were some, however, whose feelings and conduct -were far different. Among these, Miss Elliott was deeply affected -at the situation of her friend, and did not hesitate to condemn the -proceedings, as in the highest degree cruel and unjust. She made -repeated visits to Mr. Willard, in the hope that he might do something -in her behalf; and the benevolent clergyman employed all the power -he possessed in her favor. She made the same application to Cotton -Mather, but the stern fanaticism of this man was proof against all her -entreaties. He declared he had no malice, and nothing but kindness -towards Miss Lyford in his heart; but he solemnly believed in the -allegations against her, and that God and man required the sacrifice. -The proof he said was clear, and an exception in her favor would be -cruelty to the community and treachery to his divine Master. All he -could do was to pray, that notwithstanding her sorceries, she might, -if possible, be forgiven, and he would not refuse her the tribute of a -tear. Such were the feelings of this remarkable man, and such the power -of superstition over his vigorous but ill governed mind. He was not -naturally cruel, but in whatever devious course his perverted sense of -duty impelled him, no consideration of reason or humanity could bring -him back. - -Mean-while the days glided on, and the period was at hand when the -fatal sentence of the law was to be executed. The nineteenth of -August had been assigned for the death of Burroughs and three of his -associates, who had been condemned on the same grounds. One female -also had been selected, to complete the sacrifice. For these unhappy -individuals there was no hope of escape; the public voice had condemned -them, as well as the iniquitous court before which they were tried; -and they prepared, with christian resignation, for the doom which -could not be averted. Miss Lyford's sentence had been assigned one -day later, as the case was deemed one of solemn and peculiar interest; -and moreover it was the policy of the court to impress the public -mind with the enormity of the crime of witchcraft, by repeating the -tragedy in its most awful and startling forms. The only hope that -remained for Mary, was in those secret movements of her friends, which, -in their complicated and delicate machinery, might be frustrated by -the severance of a single cord. Her brother had acquainted her with -the outlines of the plan, but she had little faith in a prospect -which seemed so visionary and hopeless. Neither had Lyford any great -confidence in its success, and every day had meditated some new -expedient to accomplish her deliverance--but it was all in vain. No -other hope appeared; and when the eighteenth of August had arrived, -Mary was still in the custody of Harris, and that vigilant officer and -his three assistants, were the sleepless sentinels at their post of -dishonor and shame. - - - - -CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. - - -'Accursed be the hour that gave me birth! Why was I born for this? Oh, -thou insulted, yet forbearing God! if thine avenging justice pursues -me to the lowest perdition, it will not outrun my crimes. Why did I -hunt the innocent without cause, and heap on my soul such mountains of -guilt? Oh, hide me, earth! bury me in thy deepest graves, if they will -but shelter me from a raging conscience and a frowning God! How shall I -save the innocent blood? how shall my feet, which have run so swiftly -in the way of evil, turn back into the path of peace? These hands have -built that fatal scaffold, on which innocence and virtue must perish! -Oh, might I die in her stead! Oh, that my blood might expiate my guilt! -Vain hope! the weight of mountains, the fires of the second death -can neither crush nor consume me. Mine is an undying death, mine an -unquenchable flame!' - -Such were the exclamations of the wretched Trellison, as he stood on -that fatal hill with the scaffold which, the day before, had been -erected under a tree, directly in his view. He was now fully awake to -a consciousness of his crimes: he had betrayed into the hands of the -law, one of the most innocent and virtuous of her sex, and was about to -witness the awful consummation of his guilt. He had opened the door, -but it was beyond his power to shut it. If he avowed the truth, his -single testimony could not avail against the host of witnesses which -his own arts had procured, and whose evidence, if now confronted by -his, would in self-defence be combined to involve himself as well as -Miss Lyford in ruin and death. In this condition, he thought of every -possible method to avert the impending fate of Miss Lyford; but every -avenue seemed to be closed; and after wandering up and down the hill -for several hours, in the utmost horror and distraction of mind, he -finally determined to follow her to the scaffold, and there avow his -guilt, and invoke every power within his reach, to save her from the -threatened doom. - -It is often a mournful duty to display the workings of an accusing -conscience. The picture may warn us to shun the incipient stages of -guilt, and turn back into the current of reason and reflection the wild -and turbulent elements of excited passion. Too often, alas! we plunge -into the very vortex of ruin, ere we are conscious that we have passed -the boundaries of virtue. Such is the influence of pride, self-love, -and self-esteem, that the first discovery of guilt and danger, often -comes too late to save us from the final plunge. This was preëminently -the case with Trellison: with hasty and violent feelings, unguarded -by reason, and driven by every wave of passion, he had mistaken his -own purposes of revenge for zeal in the cause of religion, and had -so blended his own selfish designs with an imagined regard for the -honor of his Maker, as to conceal from himself his actual guilt, until -its fatal effects stared him in the face, and revealed the depths of -iniquity in which he was ingulfed. - -When the next morning dawned, crowds of people were seen gathering -round the spot, where the dreadful sacrifice which public fanaticism -demanded, was to be made. Rev. George Burroughs and three other -individuals, named Willard, Proctor, and Jacobs, together with one -female, were taken from prison and conducted by the sheriff to the -place of execution. The scene was one of appalling interest; and -as the unhappy victims passed through the streets, loud murmurs of -disapprobation were heard from many individuals, who believed they -were mainly indebted for these tragical events to Boston interference, -and who were indignant that Salem should be the chosen theatre for the -display of these bloody scenes. The venerable Higginson, with several -of his most influential parishioners, utterly refused all part in these -proceedings, while his associate in the ministry, Mr. Noyes, fully -coöperated with Parris, Mather, and Stoughton, in all the length and -breadth of this fatal delusion. When the hour of execution drew near, -the public murmur became more loud and distinct, so much so as to -excite alarm lest the purposes of justice might be frustrated. But at -this moment Cotton Mather appeared on the ground, on horseback, and by -the circulation of new proofs of Satan's promises and covenants with -these unhappy persons, effectually silenced the voice of sympathy and -the din of opposition. As the dreadful scene proceeded, Burroughs was -seen kneeling on the scaffold in prayer, in which he solemnly appealed -to his Maker for his uprightness of heart and his entire innocence -of the crime for which he was called to die. He prayed fervently -for himself and his hapless associates, thus performing in his last -hours the kind offices of his sacred profession, and administering -consolation to his fellow sufferers. Neither did he forget those bitter -enemies who had brought him to this scene of horror; but earnestly -supplicated their forgiveness from God, as he himself heartily forgave -them. - -Thus perished the persecuted Burroughs and his unhappy companions. They -died as outcasts from God and man, their very names regarded with scorn -and horror, and their persons execrated as the vilest of the vile. Time -has lifted the veil; the storm of reproach has passed away; the shadows -of the invisible world, in which they were seen to move as dark and -mysterious forms enlisted in the service of Satan, and doing his will, -have given place to the sunshine of Reason and Truth. The white robes -of innocence and virtue now adorn them in the eye of every beholder, -and that foul stain stamps with its darkest hues, the memories of -Stoughton, Sewall, Gedney, and Cotton Mather. - -Let it not be supposed there were no redeeming traits in the characters -of these men. It was a superstitious age, and the delusions which -were now abroad, had fastened with immense power upon the community -at large; but this, though it may be urged in mitigation of their -offences, was no valid excuse. They had unerring and sufficient maps -in the experience of the past. They had the sure word of God. They had -reason and common sense, which, impartial and unperverted, might have -shown them the madness and cruelty of their course. These guides were -consulted too late; and we have it recorded of Judge Sewall, that he -deeply repented of his agency in these painful scenes, and publicly -deplored his errors in the presence of the members of the South Church, -presenting his own example as a warning to future magistrates to -avoid that fatal rock, on which justice and mercy had alike suffered -shipwreck. - -It is probable Stoughton and Mather carried this delusion in part -to their graves; and it is scarcely possible to contemplate these -characters with complacency. There is no monument along the track -of succeeding years, which redeems their memory from its deserved -reproach. Mather was learned and industrious beyond any man of that age -in New England; but he was credulous to the last degree; of a bold and -fiery temper, deeply tinctured with fanaticism, rash in his judgment, -severe in his rebukes, and overbearing in his conduct. A cloud rests -upon his memory, through which Charity herself can scarcely discern -the faint rays of real piety, which, notwithstanding all his errors, -probably existed in his heart. Stoughton was, if possible, still more -deeply implicated in these cruel proceedings, and the remark of an -eminent historian of Harvard College is undoubtedly just, that 'upon -no individual did the responsibility of the sad consummation of that -excitement rest more heavily, than upon William Stoughton.' - -The next day was to be signalized by the death of Miss Lyford. The -public feeling was now so far subdued, that there was little danger to -be apprehended from the populace. If the death of Burroughs had excited -so little commotion, it was concluded there would be no interruption -to any future proceedings of the like character. Moreover, there was -a general belief that few cases of witchcraft had been more clearly -defined, and the singular language which had been addressed to her from -the woods, and was heard by others, was considered entirely conclusive -in her case. There had been no attempt to trace the cause of this -strange proceeding, but it was at once attributed to mysterious and -spiritual agents; yet Lyford suspected what afterwards proved true, -that a female from Hadley, who knew his sister's history and was in -the confidence of her grandfather, had been employed by Trellison in -this work of deception; but he had no means of proving such a plot, and -any attempt to implicate Trellison, who was now in high favor with the -ruling powers, would probably recoil on himself, and lessen the chances -of his sister's escape. - -No access to Miss Lyford had been for some time permitted, except to -her brother, and even this indulgence was now prohibited. Trellison -found means, however, to convey to her a full confession of his guilt, -his determination to avow it publicly, and if possible to stay the -proceedings. He earnestly begged her forgiveness, and assured her -that he wished to live no longer than to make a public vindication -of her character, and save her if possible from her impending doom. -This communication was not received till late in the evening, and it -being impossible to obtain the favor of a light, or to procure the -least office of kindness from her keepers, Mary was, of course, wholly -ignorant of its contents. Her mind, also, was so fully occupied with -the plans now in progress for her deliverance, that she was the less -anxious to know its purport, and placing the paper in her bosom, the -incident was nearly forgotten. - -Trellison was involved in difficulties which so distracted his mind, -that he was unable to devise any probable means, by which Miss Lyford's -fate could be averted. His confessions and retractions, if made, he -knew would only be regarded as new proof of her Satanic arts, and he -now thought it safer to make his appeal to the populace and enlist -their sympathies, than to attempt to stay a warrant which had been -already issued, and could only be revoked by the Governor. Still he -was unsettled in his plans, except that in the failure of all other -means, he resolved to vindicate her at the scaffold, though it might -cost him his life. The truth was, his convictions and remorse had -arrived too late; and in the existing state of public feeling there -was no proper light, in which evidence could be fairly seen; or if -seen, its legitimate power could not at that time be felt. Strange as -it may seem, the reports circulated by Cotton Mather on the preceding -day had maddened the populace, and made them insatiate of blood. It -was now believed that the death of Miss Lyford was essential to the -public peace, and there was probably no moment in the progress of this -delusion, when it ran higher, or was more terrible in its control over -every generous feeling, than at this period. - -Meanwhile, it was on the extravagance of this delusion that Miss -Lyford's friends relied for her deliverance. The very feeling which -Trellison feared would render his confessions unavailing, they were -willing to provoke as the best means of her salvation. Mr. and Mrs. -Ellerson no longer made any appeal in her behalf. Strale was in Boston, -apparently unconcerned and unaffected, while Lyford alone kept his post -near his sister, the only visible friend, from whom she could expect -countenance or support. - -There is that in human calamity, which, unsoothed by the voice of -sympathy, and unrelieved by the kind offices of friendship, falls with -a withering and consuming power on the heart. When such calamity is -frequent and long continued, even the ties of kindred and affection -are often sundered, and the unhappy sufferer, though conscious of -rectitude, finds himself sinking in despondency, solitary and desolate, -and his only support is drawn from the hope of a better world. Such -emphatically was the condition of those who were proscribed for their -supposed sorceries. Cut off from the sympathies of their fellow men, -exposed to insult, violence, and death, and at last consigned to the -scaffold, they were spectacles of unrelieved sorrow and wretchedness, -of which the world can furnish few examples. But these unhappy victims -did not forget their obligations to their fellow men and to God. -They almost uniformly died in the spirit of forgiveness; and if, as -the scoffer and the infidel allege, there be no hereafter, no review -of character and responsibility, no discrimination between good and -bad beyond this fleeting world, no probationary life here, and no -retributory condition hereafter, then indeed is our faith vain, our -works of love and charity are vain, and an unbroken gloom rests on the -territories of the grave! - -But the infidel forgets that the same chance which placed him in this -world may not yet have exhausted its power. If it can move the world -in its orbit, regulate the seasons, and govern, by irrepealable law, -the motions of unnumbered suns and worlds, it may, for aught he can -tell, act upon his future being; it may redeem the vital principle from -the ashes of the tomb, and cast it among some new elements of life, -which may be perfectly adapted to the work of retribution. Let him then -beware of a theory which provides no security for his future happiness, -while it reserves the right to perpetuate his being for ever; let -him turn his eye to that even balance, in which his actions will be -weighed, and bring home to his heart the consolations which nothing but -the gospel, approved, accepted, and trusted, can supply. - - - - -CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. - - -On the evening of the nineteenth of August, a little schooner, which -had occasionally stopped at the port of Salem, on trading voyages up -and down the coast, entered the harbor. She was called the 'Water -Witch,' a fore-and-aft vessel of beautiful model and fine proportions. -Whenever she was seen coming up the bay, crowds of people assembled -to witness her movements. She was always kept in the best condition, -and her nicely-trimmed sails, the perfect symmetry of her spars, her -graceful attitudes on the water, and above all, her rapid and varied -motions, procured for Captain Ringbolt, who commanded her, an enviable -and well-deserved reputation. - -When the Water Witch appeared, it was always expected the next day -would be one of extensive traffic, particularly among the country -maidens of the neighborhood. Captain Ringbolt always had a good supply -of laces, brocades, muslins, and all sorts of fashionable ornaments; -and his very showy assortment was generally disposed of to good -advantage. How he obtained his merchandise was sometimes a mystery; -but the Salem ladies were careful not to inquire too curiously into -the matter; they were quite willing Captain Ringbolt should have -his own way; and, as he was uniformly courteous and obliging, any -suspicions would certainly be inexpedient, and perhaps unjust. It was -rather wonderful, however, that so much charity was extended towards -this gentleman, considering the very strict morals of the Puritans, -and the rigid honesty with which they were accustomed to discharge -their pecuniary obligations. The gallant captain generally told a good -story, and, as our narrative all along supposes, there was no want of -credulity among the people. - -As the Water Witch dropped her anchor, Somers stood on the beach, -watching her motions with deep interest and evident anxiety; one of his -neighbors, named Bolton, who was also one of Miss Lyford's guards, -having obtained leave of absence for an hour, was strolling near him, -and remarked the closeness of his survey. Somers, absorbed in his own -reflections, did not notice Bolton, till he touched him on the shoulder -and said: 'What now, Somers? you are looking sharp for Ringbolt; what -kind of traffic do you mean to drive with him?' - -'Is this you, Bolton?' said Somers, in some confusion; but in a moment -recovering himself, he added: 'These are perilous times, neighbor; the -witch proceedings have stopped all business, and I thought, as there -are not many fire-arms in town, if I could get all the pistols Ringbolt -has, it might be a little speculation.' - -'This Captain Ringbolt will soon grow rich,' said Bolton, 'if my -guesses are right; he was here only two weeks ago, and sold all his -cargo in two days. But he may come to a bad market now, unless he -waits for better times before he sells his goods; he is a shrewd man, -however, and sells things for a good price, when nobody else can sell -at all. I wish I knew where he gets his articles. Neighbor Somers, I -shall have nothing to do after the witches are hung; you know this -captain--I wish you would try to get me a berth on board for the next -voyage.' - -'You are no more fit for a sailor, Bolton, than a monkey is to furl a -topsail. Captain Ringbolt would tumble you overboard before you got ten -leagues from land. You had better stay where you are, and find honester -business than any I ever knew you to be employed about.' - -'You are sharp this evening, Somers. You will one day be convinced that -the man who watches criminals is doing a great favor to the community. -But I cannot think what has brought Ringbolt back so soon; his vessel -is light; I think he must have intended to be here this morning, and -see how the devil hangs up his friends.' - -'They had better send to the devil for a sheriff. And you, Bolton, are -nearly right: a man must be more than half a devil, to be engaged in -such business.' - -'It is a truly godly business,' said Bolton, 'and I wonder at your -language, Somers; if these witches will serve their master, they must -take such wages as he gives them; and the wages of sin is death. The -sheriff deserves the thanks of all pious persons for his courage and -zeal in the cause.' - -'I wonder they had not employed you in the business,' said Somers; 'you -talk like one who has no great compassion for a reputed witch, guilty -or not guilty.' - -'I am too sinful to be thus employed,' returned Bolton. 'I am not -worthy, Somers, even to walk in the footsteps of those holy men, who -are now purging the land of its sin and shame.' - -'You are worthy,' replied Somers, 'to have a rope fastened to your -neck, and to be swung from a gallows as high as Haman's. What a wretch -you are, Bolton, to see the innocent murdered around you, and exult in -their death!' - -'You must take care of your language, Somers, if you would save your -own neck; there is to be another hanging to-morrow, and when that is -over we shall want other victims; and your chance is getting to be a -fair one. Why, if Mr. Parris, or Mr. Noyes, had heard half what you -have said to me, you would be in prison this very night!' - -'As to my own chance, it will be hard business to hang me up; but no -thanks to you, Bolton, if it is not done to-morrow. You are under -a strange delusion, and I must allow something for that. You were a -good neighbor once, and I hope will be so again; but the time looks -very distant to me. I am down this afternoon to get the first chance -at Captain Ringbolt's assortment. Pistols, according to my way of -thinking, will be in good demand; and I want something to defend myself -with, and to put a shot or two into you, in case you should be an -informer. At any rate, I am determined to have a first-rate pair for -myself. You know I have some skill in the use of them. Will you go on -board?' - -'Not I,' said Bolton; 'I never go where pistols and powder are about, -except when I use them in the holy cause. I hope you will think no more -of what I said, Somers; you know I would not betray a friend.' - -'There is no telling what you may do in such times as these; but there -is little danger, so long as you are within reach of my pistol; beyond -that, I would not trust you an hour. By the way, Bolton, have you -no fears that Satan may carry you off, while you are hanging up his -subjects? I wonder he does not appear in their behalf. If I believed -as much as you do, I would not dare to stand guard over Miss Lyford.' - -'I have weapons to fight him that you know nothing of, Somers. I have -had some glimpses of him at twilight, but he saw me clothed in such -armor that he dared not approach. I once met this same Apollyon in the -day-time, but only a small part of his dragon form was visible; and -when I held up the holy gospels, he vanished into thin air.' - -'If you should be called to grapple with him in person,' returned -Somers, 'you would be more likely to make a treaty with him than to -show fight. I am not sure, but it would be well for you to see what -terms you can make with him; for I am well assured he will have his own -terms by and by, and carry you off;--not that you are worth even the -devil's acceptance, but because he is sent to look after such as you.' - -At that moment Captain Ringbolt landed, and Bolton walked off, not -exactly at his ease; for he knew that the honest and sturdy Somers was -a dangerous enemy to such characters as he knew himself to possess; -besides, it was time to resume his station as guard to Miss Lyford. 'I -shall be released to-morrow,' thought he, 'and then I will make peace -with Somers, and see if I cannot muster a little pity for the witch, -and this will be sure to win his favor.' - -Meanwhile, Somers went on board the Water Witch with Captain Ringbolt, -and, entering the cabin, they conferred a short time, and soon settled -the plan of operations. The crew of the schooner were entirely ignorant -of Ringbolt's intended movements; and though a little suspicious that -the voyage to Salem was not exactly of a trading character, they were -so well trained and disciplined as perfectly to understand that nothing -was to be said, even among themselves; all they had to do was to obey -the orders of their superior. - -Captain Ringbolt sent up his usual notices, which were posted in the -streets, with an additional clause, stating that on account of the -great event, which he trusted all godly persons would wish to behold -on the morrow, he should not expose his goods for sale, till the day -after, when, at the usual time and place, a most valuable assortment -of articles, selected with great care, would be offered for sale. He -returned thanks for the patronage he had received in past times, and -assured the good people of Salem that no efforts would be wanting to -merit their confidence, and meet the wishes of the public. - -Somers walked away in sad contemplation on that state of things which -seemed to make one delusion necessary to counteract and dispel another, -which was far worse and more dangerous. But he was not quite satisfied -with himself, especially with the kind of deception he had practiced on -Bolton. The die, however, was cast. He implored pardon for the part he -now felt compelled to act, and while he believed the extremity of the -case, in the main, justified his course, yet it was so uncongenial to -his feelings, and so opposite to the whole tenor of his life, that he -was not a little disquieted by the scruples that oppressed him. He had -a wife and one child. They were his earthly solace and hope, and his -precautions, and those of Strale, had provided for their safety. For -himself, the result was uncertain, but every possible contingency was -guarded against, so far as human sagacity could foresee, or human skill -provide. - -The twilight had now fallen on the village and its surrounding -scenes. The shadows deepened into uncommon gloom, as if Nature were -spreading a funeral pall for the dead, and mourning over her deluded -children and her own disregarded voice. Well might she sympathize in -the sad desolation around her! Her own mighty impulses of gratitude -and affection were silenced and suppressed by the mighty fabric of -fanaticism and delusion, which occupied the throne of the intellect -and the heart. Who shall assure us, that such scenes will never recur? -Where, in the weak and erring temper of man, do we find a guarantee -that bloodshed and crime, the fruit of other delusions, shall not again -desolate the land? Let us not boast of the dignity of Reason, the -victories of Science, and the golden age of taste and refinement. These -are often the soil in which the worst delusions spring up and cover the -land with a foliage so rank and poisonous, that the moral atmosphere is -filled with pestilence and death. - -As the evening advanced, the different agents in the events about to -take place, were all at their posts. Strale occupied the cottage of -Somers. Lyford was at Mr. Ellerson's, Somers was in attendance upon -Strale, and the Water Witch, with furled sails, was resting quietly on -the bosom of the river, while her vigilant crew, with a double watch, -waited the orders of their master. - -It was late, the same night, when Trellison left Salem for Boston. His -subsequent reflections had determined him to see Governor Phipps, make -his confessions, and procure, if possible, a reprieve or pardon. In -case of failure in his application, he could return in season to make -his last effort at the scaffold. But new difficulties awaited him. Sir -William was absent from town, and would not return for several days. -There was no delegated authority to which application could be made, -and his lady, who at the hazard of her life once saved a condemned -individual, dared not and indeed could not interpose. The night was -spent in anxious consultations, and ended with the conviction that his -only chance of success was a public confession, and an appeal to the -multitude. - - - - -CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. - - -Harris, the jailer of Miss Lyford, we have before remarked, was -extremely superstitious. The other persons on guard were nearly as -much so as their superior. The characters of these men had been -thoroughly studied by Strale and his friends, and they were satisfied -an experiment might be made on their credulity and superstition, with -reasonable hope of success. The idea very generally prevailed, that -all who were active in the witch prosecutions were exposed to fiery -assaults from Satan. On this account, it was deemed a religious duty -to guard the prisoners with the greatest possible care, and the most -resolute men were selected for this purpose. - -The jailer was often apprehensive that Satan might appear in defence of -his prisoners. He thought it very possible that a part of the compact -might be that they should be delivered in the moment of their greatest -peril. He often spoke of some probable encounter with the devil, -for it was hardly possible that so faithful a servant of God should -remain unmolested, while subverting the kingdom of Satan on earth. -In conversation with Bolton and his associates, he often warned them -to prepare for such an encounter, and told them of the best methods -to beat off the Serpent, should he be so bold as to attack them. -Harris thought his spiritual armor was impregnable, and his prowess -irresistible, and though as yet he had no opportunity of signalizing -his courage by a pitched battle with any of the demons around him, yet -he boasted of one or two skirmishes in which the Adversary, though he -shook his dragon head and gnashed his teeth, was finally glad to make -his retreat. The courageous jailer did not use his worldly weapons, but -he always confronted his enemy with passages of scripture, and, in the -last resort, employed the most powerful spiritual weapon which he said -never failed, and that was prayer. Harris was not much given to this -exercise, for its potency, he insisted, was weakened by too frequent -repetition; consequently, he kept this weapon for the last extremity, -and never employed it, when other expedients would answer. - -This view of Harris' character applied to Bolton and the other guards -of Miss Lyford, so far as superstition was concerned, but Harris was -quite their superior in other respects. He was powerful and bold, and -in grappling with flesh and blood, few men could stand before him; but -he was quite deceived in supposing himself a match for the imaginary -demons around him. No man was more likely to make good his retreat, if -he had occular demonstration of the presence of these mysterious beings. - -About ten o'clock in the evening, Lyford requested the privilege of -visiting his sister for the last time. He was rudely repulsed by Harris -and the guard, who said they were forbidden to admit any person on any -pretence whatever. - -'Hitherto,' said Lyford, 'you have permitted me to visit my afflicted -sister, and if she be guilty, and as much so as you allege, she is -still my sister, and nature pleads in her behalf. I trust you will -permit me to go in.' - -'It is vain to ask,' said Harris; 'the permission you had from the -Governor has been revoked, and you cannot go in.' - -'Will you take no responsibility in the matter?' said Lyford, 'and let -me pass for the last time?' - -'None whatever,' was the reply. 'Our orders are positive, and we cannot -permit you to go in.' - -'Mr. Harris,' returned Lyford, 'you say my sister has made a compact -with Satan; if so, I trust he will appear in her behalf; for, bad as he -is, I would trust him for humanity sooner than such wretches as you. If -he possesses any power, I believe he will now exert it. I was informed -he was seen in the chamber of the sheriff last night, in a threatening -attitude, so that he was hardly able to proceed in his dreadful work -to-day. Moreover, I am told by others, that he is excited to uncommon -rage, and will not any longer tolerate the murder of his friends.' - -Harris seemed startled by these remarks, and as the night was -excessively dark, and the train of reflection which Lyford had awakened -was not the most agreeable, the jailer began to fortify his courage -by repeating passages from the Bible, and calling upon the guard to -unite with him in this holy employment, assuring them that Satan would -not dare to appear in the face of such rebukes as the holy scriptures -contained. - -'Look,' said Bolton, 'see, Mr. Harris, what terrible shape is that -coming towards us?' The startled jailer cast his eyes in the direction -pointed out by Bolton, and he saw, gleaming through the shade, a -figure, which his terrified imagination instantly formed into that of a -dragon. From his horns, streams of fire were spouting, and a sound like -the hissing of a hundred serpents, rushed on the ear. A moment more, -and volumes of fire poured from his mouth, discovering by their light, -the hideous and distorted features of a demon, while with slow and -solemn pace he advanced towards the house. - -'Get thee behind me, Satan!' said the agitated Harris. He then looked -round for a moment, with a bewildered and uncertain gaze. Lyford had -disappeared; Bolton and his companions had fled like the wind. Harris -then closed his eyes, and fell on his knees, uttering a hurried and -tremulous prayer. Looking up again, the fearful apparition still -advanced, and when in the light that was blazing all around, Harris -caught sight of his cloven foot, the unhappy jailer no longer doubted -that Satan in person was at hand, in behalf of Miss Lyford. The Bible -dropped from his hands, the voice of prayer died on his lips. Steel -and pistol were of no avail. No other weapon remained, and taking -to his heels, the unlucky Harris deserted his post, and fled like -a racer for his life, into the depths of the forest. Looking for a -moment from behind a tree, he saw the fiery dragon enter the house. -Then, redoubling his speed, he pushed on over bushes, fences and -brooks, until he plunged into a ditch, from which, after floundering -about for an hour, he made shift to get, weary and exhausted, upon -its neighboring bank. Even here he dared not open his eyes, lest the -terrible image, in its lurid flames, should once more haunt his vision; -but falling on his knees, he devoutly returned thanks, for the strength -he had received to flee from the destroyer. - -Meanwhile, the faithful Somers rushed into the house, and with a single -stroke of his axe, broke in the door of Miss Lyford's chamber, and then -bearing her down stairs, he placed her in a wagon, which had been -provided at a little distance, for the occasion. Walter having divested -himself of his dragon's dress, left the horns, the cloven foot and -the black robe in the jailer's room, and with Lyford, hastened to the -beach, where Somers and Mary had already arrived, and in a few moments, -they were all safely on board the Water Witch. The wife and child of -Somers had been sent on board, early in the evening, and when the next -morning dawned, they were ten leagues from Salem harbor, on their way -to Virginia. - -The scheme which had been so completely successful was entirely -the invention of Strale; its details were arranged with the utmost -precision and care, and it was executed with an admirable degree of -coolness and skill. Gunpowder in its various adaptations produced the -fire. The burning of tobacco caused the smoke, which seemed to proceed -from his breath. His face blackened and disfigured, a black gown thrown -over his shoulders, and leather sandals in the form of cloven feet, -completed the disguise. - -It was not surprising that a device, which in ordinary circumstances -would have been equally foolish and hopeless, should be, in the -present state of public feeling, perfectly adapted to its end. It was -then supposed that visible appearances from the world of spirits were -not uncommon, and the disordered fancies of men created innumerable -apparitions and shapes of evil, which the senses gifted with -supernatural acuteness, were enabled to discern among the grosser forms -of the material world. - -The chronicle we have consulted does not reveal the process by which -the mode of Miss Lyford's escape was concealed from the public eye. Yet -it contains some hints on this point which are reserved for our next -chapter, and it also intimates that many secrets were kept by the men -in power, which, had they been disclosed, would have covered the actors -in these tragedies with confusion and shame, and finished at once the -work of persecution and death. - - - - -CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. - - -The morning dawned with a most welcome radiance upon the haggard -and exhausted Harris, as he lay on the bank of a muddy brook, from -which, after his desperate efforts in the ditch, he had no strength to -retreat. But he soon felt the refreshing influence of the morning air, -and as he cast his eye over the different and well-known objects around -him, his scattered senses began to return and his courage to revive. He -saw in the miserable plight of his dress and the bruises on his limbs -that he had been foiled in his great battle with the adversary; but he -hoped that after all Satan had been so much annoyed by his prayers and -quotations, that he had fled out of the region. He dared not, however, -venture back into the house, until he saw Bolton coming towards him, -who having fled at the first onset, was not so stupified with terror -as his friend Harris. Bolton, however, looked as if he had passed a -comfortless night. He had been separated from the other guards, who -had sought their own safety, and at last found shelter in a cottage, -distant from town, where he remained till morning. - -'How came you, Bolton, to leave me to fight the battle alone?' -exclaimed Harris. - -'Because, I am no match for the devil,' said Bolton; 'and you, -Harris--did you stand your ground?' - -'Stand it? Yes, long after you had left it, and it was not till the -monster was directly upon me, that I began to retreat.' - -'Retreat! you retreat?' said Bolton; 'why, you said the devil would -flee at the first word you uttered. I am afraid, Harris, you are not so -much of a saint as you thought.' - -'Saint!' replied the indignant Harris, 'it would take an army of saints -to drive off such a dragon as he who assaulted me. I tell you, Bolton, -if I had not been a saint I should have been consumed by the flames -that surrounded me. But thank God, I was delivered out of the mouth of -the lion!' - -'Shall we venture into the house?' said Bolton; 'it is now clear -daylight, and as dragons are abroad only in the night, I think we may -go in with safety.' - -'I will go,' said Harris; 'my courage revives, and methinks I could -even face the dragon again. Oh! Bolton, it is a great thing to have a -good conscience!' - -'It is a better thing, so far as safety is concerned, to have nimble -feet,' replied Bolton. 'I believe you and I, Harris, must trust more to -these than to any special friendship with conscience.' - -'We are both sinners, Bolton, and saints too, I hope,' said Harris; -'but look, every thing seems natural about the house; there is no mark -of fire or brimstone. I have faith to believe that last prayer of mine -was not fruitless.' - -As the jailer uttered this, they entered the door, and the first -objects they saw were the horns, cloak and appurtenances of Strale. -A note was seen on the table, and Harris hastily opening it, read as -follows: - - - 'The bird has flown. Faithful guards, what account will ye give - of your stewardship? Thanks to your superstition and folly, they - have given us that, which we sought in vain from your sense of - justice and humanity. The wicked flee when no man pursueth. If ye - tremble and flee before the painted symbol of Satan, what will ye - do when you meet the arch Enemy face to face? - - WALTER STRALE.' - - -'So then we have run away from a shadow, and the devil was this Walter -Strale! I thought the scoundrel was in Boston, and had given up the -witch. I would as soon be hung myself, as have this thing known.' - -'But it must be known,' said Bolton; 'how else can we give account of -the lady's escape? We must see the magistrates, tell them the facts, -and take their advice.' - -'There is no other way,' returned Harris; 'it is a dreadful -alternative, but I hardly think they will wish to betray us on their -own account; it would cover them with disgrace as well as us.' - -So saying, they proceeded to the house of one of the magistrates, -who called in the sheriff and one of his assistants. After a full -conference, they decided to report that the escape of Miss Lyford was -effected by violence. The injury done to the door would support this -view of the case, and the absence of Strale and Lyford, and the sudden -departure of the Water Witch would furnish a plausible story, and allay -the anger of the populace. - -It was now eleven o'clock, and the population of Salem and its -neighborhood, near and remote, were assembled on the hill, to -witness another act in the tragedies of the times. The scaffold was -overshadowed by a tree, whose graceful figure and verdant branches had -long attracted the youth and maidens of the vicinity in their summer -rambles, and under its pleasant shade, many a whisper of affection and -many a secret of innocence and love, had been breathed to willing ears -and confiding hearts. - -Near this spot stood the unhappy Trellison; around and before him, and -stretching away to the base of the hill, a silent and solemn multitude -were waiting the arrival of the officers of the law and their hapless -victim. On his right, the beautiful town was reposing in the brightness -and calm of a clear summer day; but to the eye of man, a strange and -startling gloom had fallen upon a scene, which up to this fatal period, -had been radiant in the fairest forms of beauty and loveliness. One -spot only riveted the gaze of Trellison, and as his eye explored the -shaded avenue, along which the sad procession must pass, the ashy -paleness of his victim's countenance, the neglected ringlets that once -with magic power had played upon her neck of spotless white, and the -slender figure whose graceful proportions had charmed every beholder, -completely filled his imagination, and threw over his face the gloom of -despair. The heavy moments rolled on, and at length the hour of twelve -was announced by the under sheriff, while neither officer nor prisoner -appeared. A beam of hope now lighted the eye of Trellison; he knew some -unseen power had suspended or averted the fatal sentence, and with -unutterable emotions, he saw the sheriff at last ascend the platform to -explain the mysterious absence of the prisoner. The multitude gathered -around, while the officer declared, as he said, with grief and shame -inexpressible, that Miss Lyford had been withdrawn by violence; that -Ringbolt and the crew of the Water Witch, in concert with Strale, had -effected by stratagem and force, the escape of the criminal, and thus -the law was defrauded of its demands, and the majesty of Heaven of a -sacrifice, which would have done much to vindicate its insulted honor, -and defeat the machinations of the devil. The people were exhorted to -go home, and if any of them felt encouraged in the practice of these -wicked arts, by the escape of Miss Lyford, they might be assured the -law would not relax its demands, nor the officers of justice their -vigilance, but the land must, at all hazards, be purged of Satan and -his devices. They were also charged to pray that the mischievous -and wicked maiden who had escaped, might be overtaken by the Divine -vengeance, and punished for her sorceries. - -At that moment, Trellison mounted the scaffold. His face, which till -now had worn the livid hue of death, was covered by the flush of -emotion. Every eye in that immense assemblage was fixed upon him. As he -flung off his cap and threw back his disordered hair, he seemed moved -by an impulse little less than divine. In a few moments his aspect -became composed, and in a calm and clear voice he gave utterance to the -feelings which moved his inmost soul. - -'Heaven, to-day, has interposed,' said this master of the assembly, -'and spared the innocent blood. Why slept thy thunders, oh Jehovah! -when the dire machination entered my heart? when I cursed the innocent -victim and laid snares for her life? Thou didst turn back upon my soul -a tide of guilt and horror, which would have drowned me in destruction -and perdition, and now thou hast checked its rage, and given me space -to proclaim the innocence of that victim, whom thou hast this day -saved from the altar of Moloch. Hear me, magistrates and men, and ye -ministers of an insulted God! hear me, old age, middle life and youth! -I proclaim in your ears that the maiden who has this day escaped -death, was guiltless of the crime for which she was condemned to die! -Deceived by my own heart, mistaking the bitter passion of revenge for -zeal in the service of my Maker, it was this hand that brought down the -threatened ruin upon that child of innocence and love. The fetters that -bound me in delusion and shame are broken for ever. But who shall wash -our guilty hands from the blood we have shed? Who shall reanimate the -cold forms that but yesterday lived and breathed in our midst? Here, -from this fatal hill, shall go down a memorial through all departing -generations, which shall brand us for ever. The winds that sweep over -these valleys and rocks shall testify against us. Yonder tree, riven -by lightning, and blasted to its very roots, shall testify against us. -This mount of offence, on which we now stand, shall testify against us. -For me, I go from this place, to solitude, penitence and prayer. Go you -to the like solemn offices, and bless your Maker, as I do, that this -vial of wrath has been stayed. Hold back your hands from blood; already -it cries for vengeance from the ground. Be grateful, as I am, that we -are not yet pursued by his avenging hand, or smitten by the thunders of -his wrath.' - -The speaker descended from the scaffold. As he passed through the -spell-bound and awe-struck multitude, no one molested him. He lingered -for a moment on the edge of the forest, and then waving his hand, as if -he would again impress the solemn truths he had uttered, on the minds -of the audience, he disappeared among the tress. An unbroken silence -reigned for a few moments through all that vast assembly, and the -first words that were spoken, were an expression of thankfulness that -the innocent maiden had escaped; but the solemn impressions of the -day failed to arrest the mighty torrent of superstition that was now -rushing over the land. There were not wanting those who attributed this -change in Trellison to the power of her magic arts. This belief gained -ground, as Trellison was never more seen in public, and his retreat was -undiscovered and unknown. The delusion still prevailed; other scenes of -blood were witnessed; and history, faithful to its trust, has branded -that age and its men of power and influence with an infamy which must -abide upon them for ever. - - - - -CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. - - -The Water Witch glided on her way with fine breezes and in gallant -trim, as if conscious of her beauty and the charm she spread over the -waters. In truth, this gem of the ocean was a sort of idol with Capt. -Ringbolt, who declared he could never survive her loss. He insisted -that her like had never before floated on the sea, and that when her -day of service was over, old Neptune would give her a tomb in some -bed of coral and pearls, and send up a pillar of foam in perpetual -commemoration of this graceful jewel in his crown. Her passengers, -however, were occupied with far graver thoughts. The first interview -between Strale and Mary was too simple and impressive to be here -described. It is enough to say, that a remembrance of the dangers and -distresses of the last few months, while it bound them to each other -by the strongest ties, led them also to united and devout thanksgivings -to that divine Being who had preserved them through all. - -The voyage to Virginia was soon accomplished. Capt. Ringbolt, whose -kind offices were so essential to the safety of Miss Lyford, and -without whose agency the project for her deliverance must have failed, -was well rewarded for his services. It is but just to say, however, -that his humanity and generosity prompted him to assist in the -undertaking without any stipulated recompense. He had no fear that -his trade would be essentially disturbed, as he was confident a state -of things so unnatural must soon pass away. Yet for a time he thought -it prudent to keep up his traffic along the southern coast, where his -business might still be prosecuted with success. - -A few days after the arrival of the party at Virginia, they found -a vessel for England, in which they determined to embark. Having -established Somers in a small house, and furnished him with means to -cultivate a good farm, Walter and Lyford, with Mary, sailed for Europe. -The voyage was prosperous, and in two months from their embarkation -they reached the shores of France, and soon entered its gay metropolis, -where in the family of Mr. Strale, Mary Lyford found the affection of -parents, and gave in return the love and gratitude of a child. All -the scenes of their past history were related by Walter, and in a few -weeks, with the full consent of his parents, he led Mary to the nuptial -altar. Their happiness was now complete. Years of love and tranquillity -glided away, untarnished by the lapse of time, consecrated by a visible -communion with God, and the life of christian faith. - -The same enlightened and devoted piety which resisted the force of -the wildest superstition, was equally victorious over the gayeties -and follies of Paris. They were placed in circumstances where the -attractions of the world, its distinctions and honors, were freely -offered them; but they chose to live as pilgrims and strangers on the -earth, looking for a better country, even a heavenly. After a few -years' residence in Paris, they removed to Bremen, the original home -of Mr. Strale, where Walter, highly distinguished for his literary -character, filled one of the most important civil offices, and -diffused around him the best influences of the christian faith, adorned -and supported by a truly christian example. - -Mr. Lyford returned to New England. He loved the land of the pilgrims; -and notwithstanding its follies and crimes, it was still the home of -his heart. He had seen among the friends of his sister one whom his -judgment not less than his fancy recommended to his affections. It -was his first, his long cherished, and ever constant love. On his -arrival at Virginia he addressed a letter to Miss Elliott, in which he -disclosed his attachment, and begged she would reciprocate a love which -could be none but hers. This communication was not wholly unexpected; -for their early sympathies, and the high esteem in which Lyford had -ever been held, had long before this awakened responsive affection in -her own heart. Soon after, he appeared in Boston, and was united in -marriage to one who was the pride of her family, and whose charms of -person and manners were only excelled by those of Miss Lyford. - -It was one of the first objects of Lyford on his return to New England, -to seek the unhappy Trellison, and convey to him the free forgiveness -of his sister, and her sincere desires for his usefulness and happiness -here and hereafter. He was particularly charged by Mary to perform this -act of christian charity; for the letter of Trellison, which she read -on board the Water Witch, made a deep impression on her mind. She well -knew the gloomy fanaticism of his temper, and was anxious to mitigate -as far as possible, the anguish and horror which had overwhelmed him. -Bitterness and revenge had no abode in the bosom of Miss Lyford; and -though she had previously written to Trellison and assured him of her -forgiveness, she was not satisfied till she could know from her brother -that her message had been communicated. - -Lyford had much difficulty in ascertaining the residence of Trellison. -He found him at last in a remote settlement, where he was devoting his -time to the instruction of children, and exerting the best influence -in the very small and scattered community in which he lived. They -conversed together of the scenes through which they had passed; in -which Trellison declared that so far as he was an actor, he could never -forgive himself; and his only hope of pardon from Heaven was founded -on the assurance of forgiveness to the chief of sinners. - - -The ancient chronicle from which we have sketched these pictures -here drops its curtain. We find no further traces of the different -individuals whose characters and doings have flitted like a dream -before our minds. But their history shadows forth their destiny; and we -may trace its brighter or darker lines, by the characters in which they -have been seen. - -That memorable tree under which these deeds of terror were done, was -then in its greenness and beauty. Not long after, and it literally -fulfilled the prophetic intimation of Trellison. "Smitten, as was -supposed by lightning, it withered away, and stood for years with -leafless, outstretched arms, and sapless trunk, until burned to the -ground, by the descendants of the third and fourth generation of those -who suffered under it. In superstitious minds, tempests and torrents -could not wash away the blood from the unhallowed hill whereon it grew, -and the soil was cursed and barren of wholesome vegetation."[A] - -True Religion acknowledges no affinity with superstition. She has -indeed suffered from the artificial bonds in which skepticism has -entwined them; but if her robes have been soiled and her countenance -marred by the unnatural position she is thus compelled to occupy, her -voice of charity and accents of love still proclaim her divine, and she -will always come forth with renovated beauty, and offer to man the best -antidote against superstition, and his only true happiness for time and -eternity. - -FOOTNOTE: - -[A] 'Historical Letters,' by A. CUSHING, Esq. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Salem Belle: A Tale of 1692, by -Ebenezer Wheelwright - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SALEM BELLE: A TALE OF 1692 *** - -***** This file should be named 63957-8.txt or 63957-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/9/5/63957/ - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Charlene Taylor, Martin -Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive/American -Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/63957-8.zip b/old/63957-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5041276..0000000 --- a/old/63957-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63957-h.zip b/old/63957-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index baab8e7..0000000 --- a/old/63957-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63957-h/63957-h.htm b/old/63957-h/63957-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index e335807..0000000 --- a/old/63957-h/63957-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5219 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> - -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Salem Belle, by Ebenezer Wheelwright. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - - p.bold {text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} - p.bold2 {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 150%;} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - } - h1 span, h2 span { display: block; text-align: center; } - #id1 { font-size: smaller } - - - hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; - } - - hr.smler { - width: 10%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 45%; - margin-right: 45%; - clear: both; - } - - body{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; text-align: right;} - - .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - text-indent: 0px; - } /* page numbers */ - - .center {text-align: center;} - .smaller {font-size: smaller;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .mynote { background-color: #DDE; color: black; padding: .5em; margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; } /* colored box for notes at beginning of file */ - .space-above {margin-top: 3em;} - .right {text-align: right;} - .left {text-align: left;} - .s3 {display: inline; margin-left: 3em;} - .s6 {display: inline; margin-left: 6em;} - - .poem {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} - .poem br {display: none;} - .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - .poem div {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem div.i1 {margin-left: 1em;} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Salem Belle: A Tale of 1692, by Ebenezer Wheelwright - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Salem Belle: A Tale of 1692 - -Author: Ebenezer Wheelwright - -Release Date: December 4, 2020 [EBook #63957] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SALEM BELLE: A TALE OF 1692 *** - - - - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Charlene Taylor, Martin -Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive/American -Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> -A Table of Contents has been added.<br /><br /> -Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /></p></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/front.jpg" alt="front" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="title page" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<h1>THE<br /><br /> SALEM BELLE:</h1> - -<p class="bold space-above">A Tale of 1692.</p> - -<hr class="smler space-above" /> - -<p class="bold space-above">BOSTON:</p> - -<p class="bold">TAPPAN & DENNET,<br />114 Washington Street.<br />1842.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p> - - -<p class="center">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1842, by<br /> -TAPPAN & DENNET,<br /> -In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of<br /> -Massachusetts.</p> - -<p class="center">{ Printed by S. N. Dickinson, }<br /> -{ 52 Washington Street. }</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<h2>INTRODUCTION.</h2> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>The following letter addressed to the author, will explain the -circumstances which led to the publication of this little work.</p> - -<blockquote><p class="right">Cumberland County, Va., July, 1841.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>:</p> - -<p>In compliance with your request, I now send you a manuscript which -contains all the material circumstances of a remarkable legend, -founded on the singular events of 1692. The original chronicle -is lost, but its general features were strongly impressed on -my memory, and I committed them to writing, some years since, -and very soon after the discovery that the first manuscript -was missing. I hope you will be able to make such use of these -materials, as shall expose the danger of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span> popular delusions, and -guard the public mind against their recurrence. It is too late to -revive the folly of witchcraft, but other follies are pressing on -the community,—fanaticism in various ways is moulding the public -feeling into unnatural shapes, and shadowing forth a train of -undefined evils, whose forms of mischief are yet to be developed. -In this state of things, our true wisdom is to take counsel of -the past, and not suffer ourselves to be led astray by bold and -startling theories, which can only waste the mental energies, -and make shipwreck of the mind itself on some fatal rock of -superstition or infidelity.</p> - -<p>It is an age of boasted liberty and light, but it may well be -doubted whether these high pretensions are any powerful defence -against popular mistakes. It often happens that the moral plague -spot is first seen in the walks of science. It was so in the days -which this manuscript commemorates: men renowned for talents and -learning gave countenance to a delusion which swept over the land, -and will be known in all coming ages by its track of blood and -death.</p> - -<p>I am not opposed to innovations upon any vicious principle or -habit whatsoever. I have no respect<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span> for any venerable theory, -unless its claims are supported by the Bible and common sense; but -how often is that noble edifice of Truth, which the Bible reveals -to our eye, deformed by the additions and inventions of men! The -Catholic church has for ages thrown up its battlements and towers -on the heavenly structure; but these imagined ornaments have only -marred its beauty, and hidden its real grandeur from the eye. -Other sects have attempted to improve upon the divine Architect; -and thus it has happened that the cumbrous scaffolding has fallen, -and buried multitudes in its ruins. But if this Temple had been -permitted to stand in its own native simplicity, its perfect -symmetry, its unrivalled strength and glory, not one of the -countless millions who have sought its mysteries would have thus -miserably perished.</p> - -<p>The elements of delusion always exist in the human mind. Sometimes -they slumber for years, and then break forth with volcanic energy, -spreading ruin and desolation in their path. Even now the distant -roar of these terrible agents comes with confused and ominous -sound on the ear. What form of mischief they will assume is among -the mysteries of the future;—that desolation will <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span>follow in -their train, no one can doubt; that they will purify the moral -atmosphere, and throw up mighty land-marks as guides to future -ages, is equally certain; the evil or good which shall be the -final result, depends, under Providence, on the measure of wisdom -we may gather from the lessons of the past.</p> - -<p class="right">With sincere regard,<span class="s6"> </span><br /> -Yours truly,<span class="s3"> </span><br />J. N. L.</p></blockquote> - -<p>The foregoing letter speaks for itself; and in conformity to the -writer's suggestions, we shall now introduce to our readers the new -scenes and hitherto unknown actors in that fatal tragedy, which stains -so deeply the history of New England. Follies equally great with those -of the witchcraft delusion may yet infest a land as enlightened and -civilized as ours; and we cannot agree with our friend in the belief -that it is even now too late to revive the same superstition, though -its madness may not, as then, terminate in blood. Not more than twelve -years since, this same delusion existed in a neighboring state, and -within a few miles of its metropolis; numbers visited the spot, and to -this day <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span>believe that invisible and mysterious agencies controlled the -movements of individuals and families.</p> - -<p>It is the object of the following pages to hold up the beacons of the -past, and in this connection to illustrate the social condition, the -habits, manners, and general state of New England, in these early days -of its history. We love to contemplate the piety and simplicity, while -we deplore the superstition of those times. Much of the former still -remains to challenge our admiration and excite our gratitude; the -latter, we trust, is passing away. Our fathers were not faultless, but -as a community, a nobler race was never seen on the globe: they were -indeed in some degree superstitious and intolerant, but far less so -than even the brilliant circles of wealth and fashion they left behind, -in their father land; and it will be well for their sons, if they do -not stumble over worse delusions, and fall into more fatal errors, than -those of their primitive ancestors. </p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span>CONTENTS</span></h2> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER FIRST.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER SECOND.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER THIRD.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER FOURTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER FIFTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER SIXTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_73">73</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER SEVENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER EIGHTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_101">101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER NINTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER TENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_133">133</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER ELEVENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_145">145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER TWELFTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_178">178</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_191">191</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_203">203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_214">214</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="left">CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_232">232</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">THE SALEM BELLE.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER FIRST.</h2> - -<p>That beautiful spot, now known as Mount Auburn, was formerly covered -by a forest, which in the early days of New England was the scene of -many a startling incident and wild adventure; the wolf howled in its -thickets, and the wild cat issuing from its borders, found an easy -prey among the flocks of the neighboring farmers: on this account, the -utmost skill and energy of the colonists were often taxed, to save -their property from pillage and destruction. The young men of those -times were bold and expert in the chase, and stimulated by rewards -offered by the colony, they often pursued their game many miles from -Boston, and seldom returned without trophies of their skill and -success.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> In this way, the vicinity of the town was soon cleared of -these scourges of newer and less populous settlements. At the period of -our narrative, however, the race of wild animals was not extinct, and -the chase was kept up as one of the most agreeable and salutary sports -which the austerity of those days would permit.</p> - -<p>It was a fine evening in September, 1691, when two young men, who -had been engaged all day with a company of sportsmen, were returning -leisurely home on horseback. They were both members of Harvard college, -room mates and intimate friends. They lingered a mile or two behind -their associates, and though travelling after dark was not very safe in -those days, yet the beauty of the evening tempted them to loiter, and -possibly they were not unwilling to encounter some little adventure, -to make up for a dull and unsuccessful chase. At any rate, their -conversation was sufficiently interesting to detain them awhile on the road.</p> - -<p>'Have you heard from your cousin Mary of late?' said James Lyford to -his companion.</p> - -<p>'Why do you ask that question? I have no such cousin as you refer to,' -replied his friend.</p> - -<p>'I have heard you call her cousin Mary,'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> said James, 'and it was fair -to judge from your manner of speaking, that she bore this relation to -you.'</p> - -<p>'Cousin,' replied Walter, 'is a name that belongs to every body or -nobody, as the case may be. It is a very convenient term, and affords -a good house to shelter in, when you are bored with questions. I have -forty such cousins as Mary.'</p> - -<p>'Then you have forty such houses to shelter in,' said Lyford. 'Verily, -Walter, you will have no want of inns on the road to matrimony.'</p> - -<p>'Forty inns are none too many for a road that promises to be so long, -as the one you think I am travelling. To be serious, Lyford, I wish -you would let me alone about Mary. She is beautiful and good, but I -dare not marry in this Puritan land. I must not reside here; and much -as I love Mary Graham, I can never take her to the lighter habits and -frivolous scenes of licentious France. You are aware that my parents -have left Virginia for Paris; that city must be my home. I must grapple -with its temptations, perhaps fall under their power; but duty, honor, -nay love itself forbid me to take Mary to its blighting influences. -But why talk of such subjects? I am but <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>twenty-one years old and this -passion of love, the wise heads say, is not to be depended on; my own -feelings may change. And now, Lyford, you have the reasons why Mary -Graham must still be my cousin.'</p> - -<p>'You speak like a philosopher, nay like a Christian too. I hope your -practice will correspond with your precepts, and that you will be -careful not to overact the cousin, in your intercourse with Mary. If -the cousin in speech becomes the lover in practice and example, it may -wake a responsive affection in her own heart, and if so, she cannot -quench it, as you may, among the gayeties of Paris. It may fade the -bloom on her cheek and quench the light in her eye; but it cannot, like -yours, be overcome by excitement abroad, or change at home.'</p> - -<p>'Your remarks are very just,' said Walter; 'but why speak in this tone -of warning? think you, Lyford, I would trifle with her feelings? I have -no evidence that she returns my love; and do you pretend to see ought -that is reprehensible in my conduct?'</p> - -<p>'Yes, Walter; and if your purposes are not serious in the matter, you -ought not to persist in those attentions, which clearly indicate your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> -love to her, and may produce similar feelings on her part. You deceive -yourself in this affair, and, it may be, you are deceiving her also. -Love is always in advance of the judgment, and you speak like one -little acquainted with its snares.'</p> - -<p>'And what right have you,' replied Walter, 'to catechise me after this -fashion? It is one of your worst faults, Lyford, that you see every -thing in a dark and suspicious form. As to Mary, she never suspected me -of anything but friendship and good will. She does not love me. Would -to heaven she did! Were it not for the fatal dislike of my parents to -this Puritan race, I would rather live with Mary Graham on a mountain -fastness, or in the solitude of the desert, than to occupy, without -her, the throne of England or France; but my filial duties interpose, -and the stern demands of such parents as mine must not be disregarded.'</p> - -<p>'Your purposes on this point must be settled,' said Lyford, 'and I must -catechise you till they are. I know not that Mary loves you. I hope she -never will, until you are so fully sensible of her value and your duty, -as to consult her interests in the case, as much at least as your own. -If you seek to gratify your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> vanity, by securing her love, when the -obstacles to your union are not to be overcome; then your principles -are not firm enough for me, and your friendship is no longer of any -value.'</p> - -<p>'Ought I to deny myself the pleasure of her society,' returned Walter, -'because the severity of Puritan habits imposes so many restraints, and -is so rigid in its inquiries, and exact in its demands? I hope this -people, in the march of improvement, will learn to be a little more -liberal. You are too severe yourself, Lyford, and all the innocent -gayeties of life look to you, as so many clouds between us and heaven.'</p> - -<p>'Religion is not severe in her demands,' said Lyford, 'and if she -appears so to you, Walter, it is because you invest her with false -attributes, and view her through a false medium. Mary Graham is a -sincere Christian; her cheerfulness of character you will readily -admit; it is a thing of nature, and never runs into excess. She has -often had occasion to rebuke the frivolous and turn back the current of -levity and folly, and she never shrinks from her duty in this respect, -as you well know. I should be sorry to believe any one could command -her love, who is not governed by a principle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> of true religion; and -I must add, Walter, if you fail in this point, I hope you will never -possess her love.'</p> - -<p>'Whence, Lyford, pray tell me, whence this strange interest on -your part in Mary? do you mean to stand between us and tell her I -am unworthy of her love? You well know I believe in the reality of -religion, and reverence it too; you know my character, and cannot -suspect me of dishonor. What does all this mean?'</p> - -<p>'I mean to put you on your guard, Walter. I can only repeat what I have -already said, that your present position and prospects do not warrant -you in lavishing upon Mary so many proofs of your love. The course you -are pursuing is unjust to her and unjust to yourself. I think you now -understand me.'</p> - -<p>'I do not understand,' said Walter, 'by what right you prescribe my -duties, and undertake to regulate my social intercourse. It would seem -to me, to be more wise to mind your own affairs, and let mine alone.'</p> - -<p>'And why should I let yours alone, when they interfere with mine? Is it -your privilege alone, Walter, to love Mary? Why may I not love her as -well as you? She is not less the object of my regard than yours. Mary -Graham<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> is more dear to me than I can express. There is no one on earth -I love so well. Moreover, she returns my love, and of this I can give -you the most unequivocal proofs.'</p> - -<p>'Now, I have it,' replied the indignant Walter; 'you mean to supplant -me in Mary's love, and all this parade of friendship and religion is -a mere artifice to cover your own selfish designs. Lyford, you are -playing the hypocrite and the villain.'</p> - -<p>'Tell me not thus,' said Lyford calmly. 'Much as I love Mary, I shall -not stand in your way. Could I see, Walter, that to all your other -virtues, you added that of sincere piety towards God, I should rejoice -to see you together at the nuptial altar, and my prayers would go up -with yours, that it might be a blessed union.'</p> - -<p>'I do not understand you, Lyford: you say I must desist from my -attentions to Mary, till my purposes are settled. When I ask why -you interfere, you tell me, it is on account of your own love, and -then, with strange inconsistency, you add, that, if I was a sincere -Christian, you would rejoice in our union. Why do you thus perplex and -mislead me?'</p> - -<p>'All I have said is true, Walter: the lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> you have known by the -name of Mary Graham, is the beloved sister of your friend Lyford. It -must remain a secret, and you must, on no account, divulge it. Do you -now wonder at my love? do you object to my counsels and cautions? -This dear sister is not the relative of Mr. Ellerson, with whom she -resides. She is my only sister, the grand-child of Gen. Goffe, and was -the little companion and solace of his last days. At his death, it was -deemed expedient that, under this assumed name, she should reside with -her friends at Salem. You have now the cause of my suggestions and -warnings. Will you not say they are reasonable and right?'</p> - -<p>'You have indeed opened my eyes. Pardon me, oh Lyford! that angry burst -of passion which denounced my best friend. It was love to your sister -that prompted my wrath; and I must have the forgiveness of her brother, -before I can quietly rest.'</p> - -<p>'It is forgiven,' said Lyford, seizing the hand of his friend, and -together, in silence and tears, they dismounted at the college gate and -entered the hall just at the commencement of evening prayers.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER SECOND.</h2> - -<p>Walter Strale was of German descent; his parents, as we have seen, -resided for a time in Virginia, and it was during this period that -Walter was born. When he was about fourteen years of age, his father -determined to remove to France, and establish a mercantile house in -Paris. Mr. Strale, however, was unwilling to educate his son in that -gay metropolis; and though by no means strict in matters of religion, -he felt a deep solicitude that the morals of his child might be -preserved. It was at one time his purpose to leave him in Virginia, -among some highly valued and judicious friends; but as the means of -education were very imperfect in that region, he wisely determined -to send him to Boston, where he knew his studies would be carefully -superintended, and his morals effectually guarded. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was difficult, after all, to understand fully the motives of Mr. -Strale, in sending his son to so rigid a school of morals. He was a -high churchman, and had a thorough contempt for what he called the -superstitions and austerities of the Puritans. It is probable the -extremely volatile temper of Walter made it necessary to place him -under careful restraints and a rigid discipline, and Mr. Strale, who -was a man of excellent sense, perceiving the advantages of a New -England education, was willing, for the sake of its fidelity, to -overlook its seeming bigotry and austerity; for with all his contempt -for the Puritan sect, he was ready to acknowledge, that on the score of -integrity and good morals, no people on earth could rival them.</p> - -<p>On the morning of the twenty-fourth of June, 1685, Walter embarked at -James River, on board the <i>Sea Gull</i>, a beautiful schooner, under the -command of Capt. Wing, who was a shrewd trader, as well as a skilful -seaman, and had for some time past kept up a regular intercourse -between Virginia and the New England colonies. He was of course well -known to Mr. Strale, who was entirely satisfied in committing Walter -to his care. Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> Strale was careful to furnish, her son with every -convenience and luxury which maternal care could provide, and his -father sent with him a negro servant, named Pompey, the most faithful -of all his domestics, and who might in an important sense be called the -steward of his house: he presided over sundry departments of domestic -economy, and no one on the plantation was more jealous of his rights, -or displayed in a higher degree, the pride and authority of station; -yet Pompey professed to be a thorough democrat, and insisted that -all men were born free and equal: he could never solve the problems -and mathematics of slavery, yet as he required the strict obedience -of those under his control, he thought it no more than right to be -submissive, in his turn, to the mandates and discipline of his master.</p> - -<p>Pompey's theory of universal liberty exposed him to much censure from -his fellow slaves, for he was in fact a tyrant on as large a scale -as circumstances would permit. Whenever he had a chance to exercise -his love of power, Pompey assumed the kingly prerogative, and claimed -for his opinions the supremacy of law; if any one questioned his -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>authority, or chose to plead his natural rights, Pompey assured him -that democracy always consulted the general good, and as power must -reside somewhere, it was natural to suppose that he who possessed it -knew best how and when it was proper to exercise it.</p> - -<p>There was another circumstance which gave Pompey a little extra -consequence: in consideration of his fidelity, he was assured that if -he continued faithful till Master Walter was educated, he should then -receive his freedom. This period was now approaching, and he thought -it no harm to take a little of his future liberty in advance; but he -often misjudged in regard to the extent of his privilege, and was of -course subjected to some slight rebukes, which occasionally left marks -on his person, not at all to his credit. If there was any thing to -which Pompey had a mortal aversion, it was to the cane or the lash: -not, as he said, that he minded the pain,—but they always disfigured a -gentleman, and his freedom would not be worth having, if he carried on -his person such tokens of his vassalage and debasement.</p> - -<p>The first impressions of a sea life are uniformly disagreeable. The -pleasant dreams<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> which gather over the mind, in its views of distant -countries, changing latitudes, and the thousand forms of beauty which -flit through the air, or skim over the water, are dispelled by a -single hour's experience, and perish at the first touches of reality. -It was so with Strale. He had no proper notion of the unsettled life -of a sailor: the splendid visions which hung over the future, were -soon scattered by the fatal sea-sickness, and the retreating phantoms -thronged around the scenes of home, and invested every locality with -the same beauty which at first beckoned him away; but there was no hope -of return: the fine southern breezes were wafting him to a strange -land, of which he had few correct notions, and whose customs and -habits, however repugnant to his feelings, must be adopted as his own.</p> - -<p>For two days our little hero was struggling with all the demons of -sea-sickness, homesickness, and the remembrances of past enjoyments; -but his mind was too buoyant to continue long under this depression. On -the third day he appeared on deck; and as the graceful schooner with -fine breezes and under a cloud of canvass was gliding on her path,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> the -bright and the beautiful again adorned the prospect, and restored the -pleasures which had been so suddenly and rudely dispersed. He was now -able to climb the mast, and take his post on its highest elevation. -Walter was always on the look-out for adventure, and the novelties of -the sea began to occupy his mind, and invest the objects around him -with unwonted attractions. Moreover, Capt. Wing, like other seamen, -was graphic in his descriptions of hair-breadth escapes, and was never -at a loss for some real or invented tale of wonders. This was an -unfailing source of amusement, and Walter listened to his narratives -with enthusiasm and delight: he longed for some experience in the same -school; he wished to be familiar with dangers, to conquer whatever -element might oppose him, and to be in all respects the master of his -own destiny.</p> - -<p>'There is no character like that of a sailor, Walter,' said Capt. Wing, -as they were sitting together near the companion-way, after dinner; 'he -is a cook, a seamstress, a washwoman, a gentleman, a philosopher, and -an astronomer.'</p> - -<p>'You judge from your own crew,' said <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>Walter, 'for you have trained -them to all these different characters; but as to the mass of seamen, -you might safely add, they are spendthrifts, drunkards, and fools.'</p> - -<p>'You are an ignorant boy, Strale. Do you not know there are as many -spendthrifts, rowdies, and scoundrels, on shore, in proportion to their -numbers, as on the sea? They have a better chance to keep out of sight, -and there is a little more refinement in their vices; but after all, -the sailor has more good qualities to counterbalance his bad ones: -he is grievously slandered by all sorts of men; as a body they are -faithful, obedient, patient and generous, and when you take into view -their sufferings and temptations, it is wonderful they do so well.'</p> - -<p>'The name of a sailor was once full of terror to me,' returned Walter, -'for in every narrative of piracy I have read, they are fearful agents, -and seem to commit murder with as little scrapie as if it were lawful -business.'</p> - -<p>'So you have judged of the sailor's character from the worst portraits -you can find. This is not fair, Walter: if you take this method with -landsmen, you will dread them as much as you do the sailor. What do -you think of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> those land pirates, who decoy seamen into their dens of -wickedness, and then turn them houseless and penniless upon the world? -There are good and bad in all classes: when you are older, you will do -justice to the sailor.'</p> - -<p>'I would do it now, Capt. Wing. My judgment was hasty and my language -rash; my observation must be more extended before I can be a competent -judge in this matter; but in the variety of character you have given -the sailor, you have placed things so much at opposites, that I must -ask you to unriddle the paradox.'</p> - -<p>'The necessities of the sailor,' returned Capt. Wing, 'have made -him a little of every thing. You can well enough understand why he -acts the tailor or the cook, but you cannot connect these humble -offices with the higher qualities of the gentleman and philosopher. -Now here is Le Moine—our French steward; no one can be more skilful -in his office, and yet that lad can tell you the name of every -prominent constellation, and with the proper instruments he can -measure his latitude with unfailing accuracy. The same is true of -many other seamen, upon whom a careless observer might turn an eye of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>indifference or contempt. But look, Walter! the clouds are heaving up -in the west; we shall have a thunder squall, and you will now see how -the Sea Gull dances on the water. That is the black flag,' continued -Wing, addressing Roberts, the mate; 'there are pirates in the clouds -as well as on the water, and old Neptune gets all the plunder; but the -wind is fair, and we can run half an hour before we are overhauled.'</p> - -<p>'It grows dark already, and the wind lulls,' said Roberts; 'this -sky-scraper will board us directly.'</p> - -<p>'Let him come,' said Wing; 'he is one of my old acquaintance, but his -dress is darker than usual, and he looks more rough and surly than is -his wont.'</p> - -<p>The wind had now died away, and there was a perfect calm on the water; -the Sea Gull was flapping her wings, but had no onward motion. In a -few moments the cloud suddenly expanded, and stretched a curtain of -terrific blackness from the western limit of the horizon to the extreme -north; the air was now excessively sultry, and an ominous silence and -gloom hung over the water; it was presently interrupted by a sharp -flash of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>lightning, followed by a deafening peal of thunder. 'Get up -the chain, Mr. Roberts,' said Wing; 'the lightning will soon be in -chase of us, and we must throw it overboard.' The chain was instantly -run up to the mast head, and its lower extremity hung over the -tafferel; the sails were furled, except the foresail, which was closely -reefed, and under a light breeze the schooner again made some headway.</p> - -<p>The whole atmosphere was now veiled in blackness, and as if conscious -that some terrible convulsion was at hand, the crew of the schooner -stood at their posts in perfect silence, while Capt. Wing paced the -deck, with that hurried and tremulous motion, which indicated the -anxiety that oppressed him. A few drops of rain now fell on the deck -and the surrounding ocean. Another and more vivid gleam of lightning, -followed by rapid and still fiercer flashes, announced that the crisis -was at hand. The next moment the little Sea Gull was enveloped in a -blaze of lurid fire, and she staggered under a shock, which but for the -chain at the mast head, would have sent her to the bottom; at the same -moment, the roar of the hurricane was heard in the distance, and before -the panic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> occasioned by the lightning had subsided, the foresail was -torn from the bolt ropes, and scattered in shreds upon the sea,—and -in a cloud of tempest and foam, the Sea Gull was rushing through the -water, at the rate of ten knots per hour. The sea and sky were now -mingled together in wild and terrible uproar; the constant blaze of -lightning, the rapid peals of thunder, the trembling and creaking of -the schooner as she dashed on her way, presented a scene which startled -and overawed even her daring and experienced commander. But the crisis -was soon past, and in the course of forty minutes the violence of the -squall was over, and before sunset the Sea Gull, with no other damage -than the loss of her foresail, was gliding over the water, with a -pleasant breeze from the south.</p> - -<p>'I am willing to grapple with anything but lightning,' said Wing, -'thanks to the chain we sent up; but for that, Walter, we should have -slept to night in the ocean.'</p> - -<p>'I must go beyond second causes, Capt. Wing, for such a wonderful -deliverance as this; our gratitude is due to a higher Power, and I -would never forget it.'</p> - -<p>'A sailor's gratitude, Walter, does not often<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> express itself in words, -but its impulses are not the less strong because they are invisible.'</p> - -<p>'They are transient, however,' said Walter, 'and the occasion that -gives them birth is forgotten as a dream. Gratitude must be a steady -principle, and not a blind emotion; its fruits must be visible in the -life.'</p> - -<p>'We sailors,' said Wing, 'are not preachers; we do not study the items -of theology; if we did, we should be poor navigators. You are a boy, -Strale, and have seen little of the world; a few more tramps over its -rough surface, and you will think nothing of these narrow escapes.'</p> - -<p>Walter did not reply, but resting on the tafferel, and casting his eye -over the fading light of a gorgeous sunset, he traced the beautiful -images of a better land, and breathed an earnest prayer that he might -be fitted to enter at last upon its pure and everlasting felicities.</p> - -<p>No other incident of importance occurred, and on the evening of -the third of July, the schooner was moored by the side of a little -island off the harbor of Boston. The boat landed Walter and some of -the crew by the side of a fine rivulet which flowed from the rock.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> -The quiet evening soon gathered around, and was occupied in grateful -recollections of the past, and bright anticipations of the morrow. The -antiquary may be interested to know that all which remains of that -green spot where Roberts and the young Virginian rambled by moonlight, -may be found in the rocks now called 'the Hardings.'</p> - -<p>At sunrise on the following morning, the fourth of July, the Sea Gull -was again under way. The day was fine, with a clear sky and a soft -southern breeze. The schooner glided among the beautiful islands of the -inner harbor, which were then filled with trees, and vocal with the -songs of birds. It was not, as now, covered by vessels of every name -and from every clime, but along its still waters the little galley with -oars, the fisherman's skiff, and now and then the white pinions of some -taller bark, were seen to move over its silence and solitude; neither -did that halo of glory which now circles the birth-day of freedom -kindle the patriot's ardor; nor did the stripes and stars wave on the -green hills, nor the merry peal of bells go up with the rejoicings of -a liberated nation; yet the elements of all this glory were there, and -many a <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>prophetic eye even then discerned its dawn upon the mystic -horizon of the future.</p> - -<p>As the vessel approached the town, the eye of Walter roamed in delight -among the varied scenery which adorned the prospect. The islands with -their forests, the bay, the blue mountains on the left, were reposing -in the beauty of the morning, and the youthful fancy of Strale threw -around them a thousand visions of future bliss. On the west the tower -of Harvard Hall rose in the distance, shadowing forth that eminence -and literary fame, which have since adorned that noble institution. -In a few moments, the town with its white edifices, the spires of its -churches, its trees and gardens, which had for some time appeared in -beautiful outline, were displayed in distinct groups and figures; and -Walter, who had till then seen only a few scattered habitations, gazed -with intense gratification on the miniature city, as it stretched its -little outposts, its convenient and spacious wharf, its thirty sail of -merchantmen and coasters, and its eight hundred buildings, with all the -attractions of novelty on his eye.</p> - -<p>The beauty of the day, the mild breathings of summer, and the carol -of innumerable birds,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> were but the emblems of that sublimer glory, -which in after times rested on the birth-day of freedom. The fathers -of those times sleep in the dust. The sons, too, are silent as the -fathers; but on the ears of the third generation the hymn of liberty -poured its strains of gladness, and the name of Washington was borne on -every breeze and enshrined in every patriot's heart. That name will be -revered as long as Virtue herself shall be loved and honored; and in -any future struggle for liberty, his grateful country will interweave -with every fold of her star spangled banner, the beautiful motto:</p> - -<p class="center">'He led the fathers and inspires the sons.'</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER THIRD.</h2> - -<p>During the passage of the Sea Gull up the harbor, no one seemed to -enjoy the genial influences of the day more than Pompey: there was -something in the very atmosphere, he said, which gave him life and -freedom, and he blessed the good land where a man might speak his mind -without fear of a cuff or a whip. His fancy revelled in new dreams of -liberty, and his exclamations of delight were so frequent and loud, -that Walter at last sent him below. Presently, however, his head peered -above the companion-way, and on his promise of silence and decorum, -Walter permitted him again to come on deck—but it was all in vain. -Pompey was in too warm a glow to keep still, and becoming once more a -little too garrulous, Capt. Wing seized a rope, but before he had a -chance to apply it, <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>Pompey, who saw his purpose, was up the ratlings -and on the cross-trees, where, although he had a better view of the -blessed land, his raptures soon subsided, and he was enabled to keep -silence long enough to insure his safety when he came down.</p> - -<p>The schooner soon reached the wharf, which at that time was the great -depôt of trade and commerce. As Walter passed by the long ranges of -wooden buildings which then occupied the ground, the merry cries of -the market men, the grand display of merchandise, and the bustle of -wagons and carts, formed a scene so full of novelty and attraction, -that he lingered for an hour or more, surveying the different objects -with lively curiosity and interest. Pompey was utterly amazed. 'What -sort of world be this, Massa?' was his exclamation, as he stood at -the termination of King street, from whence, at that time, all the -business part of the town was visible. 'Mind your business, Pompey,' -said Walter, 'and follow me with the luggage; if you stare at this -rate, they will have you up for a vagabond, and with good reason.' -Walter kept on, but in a moment or two, he heard a shout of merriment -and glee, which had the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> effect of stopping all business within its -circle. Pompey had just met with one of his own color, and when the two -friends rushed together, it caused such an explosion of good nature, -as sent the laugh up and down the street: the idlers came out to gaze, -and a stout drayman, who saw the ludicrous attitude of the two blacks, -tripped them both into the gutter, when Pompey, covered with shame and -choked with dust and passion, rose on his feet and gave the drayman -a violent blow, which nearly felled him to the ground; he was then -seized by an officer and carried to prison on the charge of fighting -in the streets; a serious crime, and one for which the fathers of New -England had provided due punishment, which was usually inflicted in -full measure on the culprit; for the rigid justice of those days was -not often tempered by the mild pleadings of mercy.</p> - -<p>Walter saw how the affair was going, and wishing his servant to have -the full benefit of such a lesson, did not choose to interpose, but -directing a porter to take his luggage, he saw Pompey move off to -prison, with no regret that the ridiculous farce, in which he had -acted, was likely to meet its proper rebuke.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> On his arrival at the -hotel he was provided with suitable lodgings, and spent the remainder -of the day in walking about town, and viewing the various objects of -interest it contained.</p> - -<p>The morning of the next day was occupied in visiting some of the -gentlemen of the town, to whom Walter was furnished with letters. -Among these were Mr. Stoughton, Judge Sewall, Rev. Mr. Willard, and -Mr. Winthrop, the latter a distinguished practitioner at the bar. He -was welcomed with the warm hospitality of those days, and assured of -their kind offices and best efforts for his welfare. He related to -Mr. Winthrop the affair in King street, between the two Africans, who -caused an immediate examination of the case before a magistrate, which -resulted in the release of Pompey, who followed his master home. His -dream of liberty had by this time nearly vanished, and the poor negro -was deeply concerned at his disgrace.</p> - -<p>'It was a great breach of good manners, Pompey, to make such a noise in -the street and tumble about in the gutter,' said Walter; 'I thought you -intended to act the gentleman.' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p> - -<p>'So I did, Massa, and many is the gentleman I have seen in the gutter, -besides me.'</p> - -<p>'Very well, he is no gentleman while there, especially if he clamors -and fights as you did. That was too vulgar even for a gentleman's -servant, and I was ashamed to have the public see you had not been -better trained.'</p> - -<p>'It is hard to get into jail, Massa, for being so glad to see an old -friend. Is it one of the laws, Massa?'</p> - -<p>'It is every where a law, to pick up vagabonds in the gutter,' said -Walter; 'if you put me to this trouble every day, I shall send you back -to Virginia.'</p> - -<p>'Right glad to go, Massa; homesick enough,' said Pompey.</p> - -<p>'Well, you must get over it, and behave in better fashion for the -future. I am not without hopes, you will learn good manners in due -time. This lesson will help you a little, and so will I, if you will -try to help yourself. I want you now at my lodgings, and will there -show you what you have to do.'</p> - -<p>Pompey followed Walter to the inn, in better spirits; for a word of -encouragement always gave him a glow of happiness, and he tossed his -head with a new sense of his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>importance, as he entered the hotel to -receive the orders and wait upon the movements of his young master.</p> - -<p>In a few weeks, Walter was received into the family of Mr. Gardner, -a highly respectable merchant, who was a friend and correspondent of -his father. In this situation he was favored with the best literary -advantages and possessed every facility for social enjoyment. He was -committed to the special care of Mr. Cheever, one of the best teachers -New England has ever produced, and made rapid proficiency in his -studies; in less than two years, he was fully prepared for college; -the usual examination was passed with singular credit, and he entered -Harvard University in the year 1688. The social and moral influences -which had surrounded him in Boston had done much to check his too -volatile disposition, and to inspire him with a high respect for the -consistent and exemplary piety which so much prevailed in those days; -he was freely admitted to the best circles, where elegance without -ostentation, cheerfulness without frivolity, and refinement without the -despotism of fashion, were the natural and graceful ornaments of the -social character. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p> - -<p>Walter was not slow in improving the advantages he enjoyed. It is -true, he sometimes thought the bow was bent too long, and that the -demands of religious duty might be somewhat relaxed, yet he had the -good sense to perceive in the state of the community around him, -the best illustration of the excellence and moral force of that -education in which science and religion acted in concert and moulded -the temper and habits by their combined influence. Walter, however, -was not religious in the true sense of the term. His understanding -admitted the excellence of the moral precepts that were taught him, -and his conscience confessed their power. He wanted neither light nor -conviction on the subject, but he had no special love for the strict -requirements of religion and had no experience of its renovating power -on the heart.</p> - -<p>We must now pass over the first years of college life, and pursue the -train of incidents up to the period which introduced our narrative. -Walter had attained his senior year in college, and had proceeded -thus far with credit to himself and the esteem and confidence of his -instructors. He had now reached that period when the character is -rapidly <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>developed, and new forms of good or ill are daily stamped -on its features. At the age of twenty years, with a graceful person, -pleasing manners, and confessedly in the highest literary ranks, his -prospects were too flattering to escape the fears of his friends, that -the temptations of life might prove too strong for his principles; but -those fears were groundless. Although every distinction which wealth or -talents could bestow were at his command, yet Strale was never unduly -elated; there was no affectation of superiority, no arrogant assumption -of rank, no pride of distinction. His whole course at Cambridge had -been marked by a strict regard to his moral and social duties. He had -even declined the personal services of Pompey, who was left in the -family of Mr. Gardner, and chose to perform himself the little drudgery -of college rooms, and to live in commons upon the ordinary college -fare. The uniform kindness of his temper, his liberality to his fellow -students, and his strict regard to every point of order and discipline, -procured for him an enviable and well deserved reputation.</p> - -<p>It was happy for Strale that among his youthful associates he possessed -such a friend as Lyford. It was still more happy that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> female -society to which he was introduced, possessed every moral ornament, as -well as the graces of refinement and good breeding. Among the ladies -of New England he found very much to respect and admire. A scrupulous -regard to the delicacy and dignity of the sex was almost universal, -nor is it to be denied, that in personal attractions and all the truly -valuable ornaments of character, they have not been surpassed by any -succeeding generation.</p> - -<p>It is pleasant to call up the beautiful pictures of simplicity and -grace which adorned the dwellings of our ancestors; to look back upon -those groups of maidens, who breathed the air of moral purity, and -bounded in the full tide of health and happiness, over the gardens and -among the forests of this very spot, where the city now spreads its -marts of business, its solid piles of masonry, its 'streets of palaces -and walks of state.' If the beauty of that moral painting was sometimes -marred and defaced, it was as often retouched by many a simple, yet -unconscious artist, and its calm and beautiful outline is still visible -as a blessed vision of the past, and a sure beacon to future eminence -and glory. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was common among the students of Harvard College in those days, -with the approbation of the faculty, to make frequent visits to Boston -for purposes of social and religious improvement. This practice was -encouraged in the belief that the early habits of the students would -be formed on the best models, and that the moral feeling which then -prevailed, was just the atmosphere in which they should live and -breathe. The elder Mather, at that time President of the College, -was himself a resident of Boston, and in connection with his College -duties, was pastor of a large congregation in town. The students were, -of course, when in Boston, much under his supervision, and any instance -of misconduct would hardly escape the notice of this vigilant guardian -of the public morals.</p> - -<p>It was at the house of Mr. Hallam, a gentleman of intelligence and -wealth in town, that Strale first met with the young lady whom we must -still call Miss Graham. She was the intimate friend of Miss Caroline -Hallam, a beautiful and accomplished girl of the same age. The early -friendship they had formed was of a character not readily to be -interrupted, and the interchange of visits <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>between Boston and Salem -was kept up, as often as the circumstances of the two friends would -allow. There was, however, a strongly marked difference between the -two young ladies. Miss Graham was sincere, confiding, and transparent -in her character. Miss Hallam was somewhat vain, unusually gay in her -temper, and strongly inclined to suspicion and jealousy; yet these -points of character were not sufficiently developed, to interrupt the -harmony which had prevailed for several years. In the summer of 1690, -at a small musical party at Mr. Hallam's, Walter was first introduced -to Miss Graham, and the sudden and powerful interest she then acquired -in his affections, had never been subdued. From that time, when Mary -was in town, the house of Mr. Hallam was Walter's chosen resort. His -attentions, however, were cautiously shunned, and while she never -failed in all the forms of politeness, there was a manifest reserve -in her manners, which, though it checked his hopes and increased his -respect and admiration, did not at all diminish his love.</p> - -<p>It was not surprising, however, that Mary should feel some interest -in a young gentleman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> of so many accomplishments, as were possessed -by Strale. But, while she was careful not to betray any special -attachment, or discover to her friends that her affections were at all -involved in the matter, and while perhaps she was herself unconscious -of the power he was gaining over her feelings, the reserve of her -manners gradually softened, and she engaged with lively interest -in that sportive and animated conversation, for which both were -distinguished. But her natural seriousness of manner inclined her -rather to subjects of graver import, and she never concealed the fact -that religion and its kindred themes, were those upon which she most -delighted to dwell. Indeed, this was so obvious to Strale, that he -often regretted that his own heart refused its sympathy with a subject, -which was uppermost in the heart of the object of his love. It was -plain, however, that the acquaintance of the parties was becoming -every day more agreeable, and the general opinion was, that, if the -holy bands of matrimony did not finally unite such kindred tastes and -tempers, no predictions, touching these matters, could ever be trusted -again.</p> - -<p>This state of things between the parties continued for about a year, -when it gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> occasion for the conversation which Lyford held with -Strale on their return from a hunting excursion. A few days after this, -Walter informed Lyford he had written his father of his attachment to -Mary, and desired permission to make known his feelings, and, if she -did not object, he requested his consent to their future union. This -letter was accompanied by one from Mr. Gardner, in which he assured -Mr. Strale that Miss Graham was every way worth of Walter's love, and -possessed all those graces and accomplishments which would reflect the -highest credit on the family.</p> - -<p>This declaration on the part of Strale was entirely satisfactory to -Lyford, and he no longer objected to the occasional intercourse which -had been kept up between the parties. It is not improbable, however, -that Walter was a little in advance of his father's consent, and that -some of those visions, which glittered on his eye, would reflect a -portion of their brilliancy on the mind of Miss Graham. But nothing -was said of a definite character, and the two friends were left to the -pleasure attending the consciousness of mutual love and the occasional -sadness of 'hope deferred.'</p> - -<p>Mary Graham was a decided favorite in <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>Boston. Her personal attractions -were surpassed by none, and her manners and conversation were scarcely -rivalled by any of her associates. Yet she was simple and unpretending -in her demeanor; her religious character, from long reflection and -deep conviction, was firm and decided; but she was no enthusiast, and -though even Walter, at times, thought her more precise and severe -than necessary, yet there was a charm of inexpressible beauty, -interwoven with her every movement, a purity of mind and purpose, a -visible communion with things unseen and eternal, which commanded the -unvoluntary homage and respect of all who knew her.</p> - -<p>It was not strange that a young lady thus gifted, should have many -admirers, nor that love of equal strength with that of Strale's, should -be kindled in the affections of others. Such was the fact in regard -to Mary, and its consequences will be unfolded in the progress of our -narration. But it is a law of our nature, most beneficent and wise, -that but one response can be given, and, when given in sincerity and -truth, it is done with no divided heart.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER FOURTH.</h2> - -<p>It was a frosty and dark evening, early in the following February, when -Walter and Lyford went into Boston, to meet a party of friends at the -house of Mr. Elliott, a gentleman who had recently come from Europe, -and whose commercial operations were, in future, to be conducted with -England and her American colonies. Mr. Elliott was wealthy, intelligent -and highly respected by all classes. It was deemed a high privilege -among the young gentlemen of the town, to be on visiting terms with -his family. His son, James, was amiable and agreeable, and Miss -Margaret Elliott was a decided belle. The good people of those days -were sometimes annoyed by the style of her dress, which was somewhat -in advance of the prevalent fashions, and was always formed upon the -best London or Paris models, though<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> greatly modified and adapted to -the New England taste. Among the younger maidens, she would frequently -encounter looks of admiration or envy, according to the taste or temper -of the parties. But Miss Elliott insisted she could accommodate herself -no further to the prevalent scruples concerning dress, and as she was -a most amiable girl, condescending and affable to all, her imagined -vanity and love of fashion was generally forgiven.</p> - -<p>The large hall of Mr. Elliott's house was brilliantly lighted, and at -seven o'clock the company began to assemble. They were received at the -door by a servant, and the ladies and gentlemen conducted to different -rooms, where the servants assisted in the arrangement of their dresses. -On entering the hall, they were received by Mr. Elliott, who presented -each to Mrs. Elliott, according to the etiquette of the day, and the -parties then dispersed themselves about the room.</p> - -<p>When the young gentlemen from Cambridge arrived, the spacious rooms -were nearly filled with guests: the beauty and pride of the town were -present, members of the learned professions, several clergymen with -their families, Governor Stoughton, Judge Sewall and other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> eminent men -of the day, to whom these hours of recreation were among the greenest -spots in their lives of professional labor and care; but for the -youthful part of the company, these occasions possessed the highest -charm. The morning of life, as yet unclouded by care, and spreading -its pictures of joy on every hill, and crowning even the distant and -snow-clad steeps of old age with a visionary green, was too balmy -and bright to be false, too serene and beautiful to be deformed by -sudden tempest or a threatening sky. So reasons the mind in its early -views of life; such were the hopes and expectations of these young -men and maidens, as they looked through the vista of time. Yet was -there nothing in the nature of these social enjoyments which might not -challenge the scrutiny of even the most rigid and severe. There were no -card tables, no merry dances, nor frivolous games; yet conversation was -sprightly, good humored, and sometimes gay; the interchange of social -courtesies was cordial and sincere, and the mirth of the occasion, if -it might be called such, was neither excessive nor unbecoming.</p> - -<p>'You can boast the belle of the flowers to-night,' said James Elliott -to his cousin, Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> Hallam; 'it seems like a rare exotic, and is a -perfect novelty to me; pray tell me where you obtained it.'</p> - -<p>'I had it, James,' said Caroline, 'from one of the mountains of the -moon. You know our own supply of flowers in winter is very small.'</p> - -<p>'You are dealing in riddles, Miss Hallam. Pray explain: I would like to -know where more might be had.'</p> - -<p>'I have told you, James, already: will you never believe me?'</p> - -<p>'Hardly ever, Caroline. You are always shutting the door and leaving me -in the dark. It would be civil to give me a lamp, that I might find my -way out.'</p> - -<p>'You must get out by moon-light, James. I have you told a plain story, -and if you will not believe me, why, let it go. You believe, every day, -things much less credible.'</p> - -<p>At that moment, Miss Graham joined the circle, and James, appealing to -her, said he hoped Miss Hallam would give her the explanation she had -refused to him.</p> - -<p>'Why, you must study your map, Mr. Elliott,' said Mary; 'I suppose the -flower, or the plant that produced it, came from Africa.'</p> - -<p>'There, James,' said Caroline, 'see how<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> little wit you have! Would you -not thank me, now, to shut you up in the dark, to hide your blushes?'</p> - -<p>'No, Caroline, for then I could not see you, and as to the blushes you -speak of, they will help my looks, which are none of the best. Miss -Graham, you have given this little vixen the best of the game: I shall -pay up hereafter.'</p> - -<p>So saying, James moved off in tolerable humor, and glad to make -his retreat. He soon joined another group of ladies, and as his -conversation was very agreeable, he seldom found himself without -willing auditors. Moreover, he felt that, on the present occasion, the -honors of his father's house were in a measure confided to him, and the -slight confusion of the incident soon passed away.</p> - -<p>The two young ladies he left were joined by another young gentleman -from Cambridge, named Trellison. He had graduated the preceding autumn -with some reputation; his manners were polished; and, except an -occasional harshness of expression, his face was not disagreeable. He -made high professions of religion, and there was a seeming modesty and -sobriety, in his deportment; yet to a practiced eye, he displayed the -tokens of fanaticism and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> hypocrisy rather than the unequivocal signs -of frankness and sincerity in his religious faith.</p> - -<p>'I believe you always worship at the South church, when you are in -town,' said Mr. Trellison, addressing Miss Graham. 'I have never seen -you at the North. Will you go with me to hear Mr. Mather next Sabbath, -by way of variety?'</p> - -<p>'My friends,' returned Miss Graham, 'worship at the South church, and -in truth I prefer Mr. Willard's preaching to that of Mr. Mather. He is -a man of singular candor, and his calm and benevolent temper has so -gained my esteem and confidence, that I think his preaching more useful -to me than any other.'</p> - -<p>'All this is true of him, and much more; but he is a man who never -believes more than he can help, and is very slow to give credit to -matters of fact. I think this a serious blemish in his character.'</p> - -<p>'Some men,' returned Mary, 'believe a great deal too much. Coolness and -caution in all matters of belief are essential to a well balanced mind. -If this be a fault in Mr. Willard, it is certainly a very amiable one.'</p> - -<p>'This coolness you speak of, Miss Graham, is a great enemy to prompt -action. I go for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> energy and decision; without these features the mind -is comparatively powerless, and its great purposes perish in the moment -of their birth.'</p> - -<p>'You cannot say this of Mr. Willard,' said Mary; 'his caution tempers -his zeal, but does not suppress it; his piety is not the less ardent -because it is cheerful and unobtrusive.'</p> - -<p>'You are quite his eulogist, Miss Graham. I am more inclined to the -fervid zeal of the Mathers, than to the quiet course of Mr. Willard. -Nevertheless, I esteem him highly. But I believe in the power of mighty -impulses to renovate the heart and subdue the evil principle in man. -The heart of man is like a wasted garden, full of unsightly plants -and noxious weeds, and dry and barren trees. When these are burnt up -by the terrors of the Lord, the Sun of righteousness covers it with a -beautiful verdure, and it brings forth the fruits of holiness.'</p> - -<p>'I believe, as you do, in a supernatural change of heart,' said Mary; -'but I consider a holy life and a willing obedience to the commands -of God, as the best evidence of his presence and power in the heart; -nor am I sure, that a soil, from which the noxious weed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> and barren -tree have been rooted out, may not as well bring forth the fruits of -holiness, when the seed are implanted by a divine hand, as if it were -burned over with fire. Nevertheless, there is beauty and truth in your -figure, and it is doubtless a consolation to the true believer, to have -a vivid remembrance of the work of the law on his heart.'</p> - -<p>'Those are certainly the most active Christians,' replied Trellison, -'who see the depths of ruin, from which they have been rescued. They -have a clearer view of the danger of their fellow men, and are excited -to greater efforts in their behalf. It appears to me the special design -and tendency of Mr. Mather's preaching is, to awaken this solicitude -and excite to such efforts.'</p> - -<p>'The minds of individuals,' returned Miss Graham, 'are affected by -such modes of address, as are best adapted to their peculiar habits -and tempers. Some men are more readily moved by terror, others by the -winning persuasions of the gospel. But in the remarks I have made, do -not, I pray you, think me the enemy of Mr. Mather. I am not, and if I -had not heard him preach, it is quite probable I should go with you -next Sabbath. I admire<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> his talents, and his literary character is -deservedly high. Moreover, he is very agreeable in conversation, and -has entertained me much this very evening.'</p> - -<p>At this moment, the summons to the evening's entertainment prevented -the reply of Trellison. In a large room, adjoining the hall, a range of -tables had been laid, and were covered with a rich variety of foreign -luxuries as well as the more substantial products of New England. The -hospitality of those days was not marked by all those nice refinements, -which so often embarrass the social life of the present times; but -it was liberal to profusion, and, though simple in its forms, was -not deficient in a just regard to the proprieties and restraints of -elegant society. Yet there was one feature in the social life of New -England, which constituted its principal charm, and gave it a direction -to the highest and noblest objects of human pursuit. It was a devout -recognition of Providence, at every social meeting, an unembarrassed -and grateful thanksgiving, always expected and offered with becoming -reverence and a grateful sense of obligation.</p> - -<p>This interesting service was performed on the present occasion by Mr. -Willard, the accomplished pastor of the South church, and a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> more -pleasing spectacle is seldom witnessed. Around the tables were the -fathers of the colony, men eminent for learning, for mental vigor, and -above all, for distinguished, consistent and exemplary piety. Mingled -among them, in different groups, were fifty young men and maidens, -blooming in youth, the flower of the province, the first in rank and -manners in the land, all bowing their heads in reverence, while the -evening thanksgiving went up to the Giver of all good and the source of -every blessing. This was a part of that education which has made New -England the glory of all lands. But this glory has passed away from the -brilliant circles of its now splendid metropolis; gifts are received -with no audible response to the Giver; and Religion is too often deemed -a graceless intruder in the walks of wealth and fashion.</p> - -<p>The conversation, which had occupied Trellison and Mary, had not -escaped the notice of Strale. From some cause, these two young -gentlemen were not often pleased with each other. The young ladies -insisted that Trellison considered Strale as a rival who could -not easily be supplanted. It was plain that Miss Graham was, in -some measure, the cause<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> of this dislike; yet apart from this, the -characters of the two were so exceedingly different, that little -harmony of feeling could be expected between them. Strale was always -pleasing. Distinguished for frankness and simplicity, his conversation -was vigorous, playful and strongly marked with the characters of truth -and propriety. Trellison was cautious, frequently reserved, with good -manners; but an expression of cunning, and even malignity, would often -cross his countenance, and give to his features, which, in general, -were pleasing, a harsh and disagreeable aspect. He was selfish and -very suspicious of the motives and doings of others, and his bad -temper towards Strale was often manifested by an ambiguous politeness, -throwing off sarcasms, mingled with civility enough to show his own -dexterity, and conceal, in part, the bitter hatred which prompted him.</p> - -<p>At the supper table Walter found means to join Miss Graham, and the -conversation, as usual, soon became playful and animated. Several -young ladies gathered round and formed a circle of attraction, which, -wherever it moved, was sure to carry its satellites with it, and -keep up its brilliancy. Trellison who had made unusual efforts to be -agreeable, finding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> himself unable to break the circle by starting -new topics and diverting the current in his own favor, at last joined -it himself. Soon after, as Walter was passing a glass of wine to -Miss Graham, Trellison's arm, either by design or a sudden change of -position, struck the hand of Strale and overturned the wine upon the -dress of Miss Graham. Trellison stooped to take up the broken pieces, -remarking:</p> - -<p>'How unfortunate! what was the matter, Mr. Strale?'</p> - -<p>'I ask pardon, Miss Graham,' said Strale; 'wine, they say, is a mocker; -but I would rather its color might grace your cheek than stain your -dress; my hand is not usually unsteady. Perhaps Mr. Trellison can -explain why it is so to-night.'</p> - -<p>'I am sorry you think any explanation due from me: what possible -connection could I have with the accident? Mr. Strale, your imputation -is rude and unjust.'</p> - -<p>'I know not how it is, Mr. Trellison: some person's arm struck my -hand abruptly, as it seemed to me. I thought it was yours: but if you -disclaim it, I am willing to take back the suspicion, and think it an -accident.'</p> - -<p>'Your apology is hardly in season,' said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> Trellison; 'you had no right -to suppose any one in this room would willingly help you stain a lady's -dress; still less, to point out an individual, in a manner so invidious -and selfish.'</p> - -<p>The young ladies, who had been engaged in assisting Miss Graham, now -returned, and before Walter had opportunity to reply, Miss Hallam -remarked to Trellison, that he was a very careless gentleman to molest -a lady's cup-bearer. Strale looked at Trellison, who bore this rebuke -unabashed; but he instantly replied: 'I am sorry you think me so -careless, Miss Hallam; but indeed, I was not aware of any agency in the -matter.'</p> - -<p>'It may not have been intentional,' said Miss Hallam: 'it could not -have been, and perhaps I was deceived in supposing it to be you; -nevertheless, I thought it was.'</p> - -<p>The conversation was getting a little too grave, and a movement -towards the hall was readily seconded by some of the young ladies, and -the company adjourned to the other room. The impressions which this -conversation made were not of the most agreeable kind; but they soon -passed away, and other topics and amusements restored, at least in -appearance,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> the harmony which had been so rudely disturbed.</p> - -<p>The festivities of an evening party were always closed, in those -days, by devotional exercises; and on the present occasion, they were -performed by the younger Mather, who was now in his early manhood, -and whose vigorous, yet credulous and superstitious mind was destined -to exert a powerful, and we must add, a baleful influence upon the -social condition of the colony. It happened that, as he was about to -read the evening hymn which preceded the closing prayer, the shock of -an earthquake was slightly felt by the company. It was immediately -followed by a rapid and tumultuous sound, like the rattling of heavy -wheels over the pavement. Another shock succeeded, and the house, -for an instant, rocked, as if a sudden whirlwind had passed by. In -a moment, all was hushed, and the awe-stricken party stood like -motionless statues, wrapped in amazement and terror.</p> - -<p>The silence, which lasted a moment or two, was broken by Mr. Mather, -who remarked that the providence of God had furnished a theme for -reflection, which was fitted to impress the mind with the instability -of earth and all earthly things. It was a voice of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>admonition which -could not be disregarded. When pestilence and famine were abroad in -the land, the means of at least temporary relief were possessed. But -when the pillars of the world were moved and its foundations upheaved -by unseen and terrible agents; it was then every earthly refuge was -vain. 'But,' he continued, 'there is one hiding place which, in the -midst of every convulsion, is safe for the believer. Time has not -reached it with his consuming hand; tempests have beat upon it in -vain; pestilence, famine or earthquake can never waste its strength; -it shall survive the ruin of earth, the wreck of planets, and a -dissolving universe. This refuge is the 'Rock of ages;' here are towers -of strength and palaces of hope, built on foundations which rest on -the throne of God. The voice we have just heard is the voice of a -father telling us to hide in these chambers of his grace, 'until the -indignation be overpast;' it is but a louder echo of his mercy, warning -us that earth must pass away with a great noise, and the elements melt -with fervent heat; and, at the same time, assuring us that, though the -mountains depart and the hills be removed, his loving kindness shall -not depart from his people.' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p> - -<p>Such was a part of the extempore address, which the interesting -circumstances of the evening called forth. It was followed by a fervent -prayer, and a train of salutary reflections occupied the minds of the -party, as they dispersed to their several homes.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER FIFTH.</h2> - -<p>'What an unfortunate evening we have had!' said Strale to Lyford, on -their return home; 'every thing has gone wrong. Trellison was in the -wrong place, the wine went the wrong way, and the earthquake came at -the wrong time.'</p> - -<p>'Hush, Walter; you speak too lightly on this latter point. All the -trifles of the evening vanished from my mind when the earthquake voice -of my Maker spoke to me of a coming judgment, and a crashing world. Why -is it, Walter, that we think so little of our future destiny? Why do we -build our hopes on a world we must leave so soon?'</p> - -<p>'I know it is a fitting time to think, James,' said Strale; 'I would -that sensible objects had less effect upon me; but so it is, Lyford, -and I cannot help it. I thought more of my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> own misfortunes this -evening than any thing else. Even the earthquake scarcely diverted my -thoughts from that unfortunate overthrow, which I verily believe was -caused by Trellison.'</p> - -<p>'It is vain and foolish, Walter, to dwell upon such trifles. I am no -enemy, as you well know, to social pleasures, but at such an hour as -this, I am sorry your mind is not better occupied. It is now nearly -midnight, the way is solitary, and its very silence seems to me ominous -and impressive: these leafless trees, all nature hushed and dead, the -voice which has just issued from the groaning earth,—all these speak -to us of our mortality, warn us of the flight of time, and throw around -us the dim figures and solemn images of a coming hereafter.'</p> - -<p>'You are superstitious to-night, James. I do not mean to say your views -in the main are not reasonable and right, but there is a tinge of -melancholy in your language and manner, which is hardly natural. I wish -to be as religious as you are, but not quite so grave, for gravity you -know has little to do with my constitution. We are now nearly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> home, -and when we get there I will converse with you on religion if you wish, -but not exactly in this way.'</p> - -<p>At this moment they entered a narrow turn in the road, which was lined -on either side by a dense forest for nearly a mile; the large tangled -bushes formed the only fence, and the way was so nearly open, that any -one coming from the woods might enter it with little obstruction. The -night was extremely dark, and not even a star was visible; the young -travellers, however, were provided with a small lantern, which was a -very important guide in this stage of their walk. A slight rustling -in the woods had once or twice arrested the attention of James, who -remarked that he could hardly account for it at that hour of the night, -and at this season of the year.</p> - -<p>'The wind may produce it,' said Strale; 'the imagination may produce -it; and possibly, Lyford, the Salem witches may be dancing about in -the woods. By the way, I wonder Cotton Mather said nothing about these -rumors from Salem; he is just the man to believe them. Do you think it -possible he knows nothing of the story?'</p> - -<p>'Very possible, indeed; for it attracts very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> little notice, and is in -fact very little known. Mr. Mather is inclined to superstition, but I -hardly think he believes in ghosts and witches. I am quite sure his -father would not sanction such folly, and the father and son are not -much inclined to differ in opinion.'</p> - -<p>'I have no very high opinion of Cotton Mather. He may be a good man; he -is certainly forcible and impressive in the pulpit; and it is thought -his rising greatness will soon eclipse that of his father; but in my -belief Dr. Mather, if not a greater man, is a far better one, and the -son, with all his eccentric brilliancy, can never rival the father. He -is headstrong, violent, and intolerant. I hope the President will soon -return, and keep his son from meddling with college affairs.'</p> - -<p>'He will soon be here,' said Lyford; 'and in my opinion he will come -the messenger of good to these colonies; he will obtain for this -Puritan community from the Prince of Orange, what the bigotry and pride -of the Stuarts would never grant. No man's return to Boston can be so -welcome as that of Dr. Mather.'</p> - -<p>The conversation was interrupted by a sound in the woods, resembling -the tread of footsteps among the tangled bushes. Walter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> proposed to -walk in the direction indicated by the noise, and ascertain if possible -the cause. Lyford, however, objected, and thought it best not to -separate; for a little of the superstition which such circumstances -might readily occasion, had now affected the minds of both, but -particularly that of Lyford. They walked silently along for a moment or -two, when a sudden flash was seen, which was followed by a quick, sharp -report, like that of a rifle, and the rustling of the bushes over the -way indicated that they were torn and rent by a shower of lead. Another -flash succeeded, when a shot struck the hand of Strale, and passed off -into the neighboring woods.</p> - -<p>'There are no witches here,' said Strale; 'there is too much cold -lead to come from the gun of a witch; look at my hand, Lyford, and be -thankful as I am it was not my head.'</p> - -<p>'This is no time to look at heads or hands,' said Lyford, 'but to -escape the loss of both, if we can'; and he instantly extinguished the -lamp, and suppressing the voice of Walter, who was about to speak, they -moved along as silently as possible, and in half an hour entered the -college gate.</p> - -<p>These singular events, following each other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> so rapidly, made a strong -impression on the minds of both Strale and Lyford. It was impossible -not to connect them in some shape with Trellison, and yet there was a -boldness and audacity in the affair, which was hardly consistent with -his reputation for caution and cunning. It was too late to do any thing -about it that night, and after an examination of the wound of Strale, -which proved very slight, a few simple remedies were applied, and they -retired for such rest as the exciting scenes of the evening might allow.</p> - -<p>The next day the story was rife in Cambridge, and a strong excitement -was produced throughout the town. Trellison was at once suspected, -and as his dislike to Strale was well known, a legal investigation -was proposed, and immediately carried into effect; not, however, -without a strong remonstrance from Walter and his friend, who were -disposed to let the affair drop. A warrant was immediately issued for -the apprehension of Trellison, but before it could be served, he was -warned of the movements against him, and advised to make his escape. -This he refused to do, and declared himself ready for immediate trial. -Accordingly, when the officer <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>appeared, he accompanied him to a -magistrate, and the investigation proceeded in regular form.</p> - -<p>All the evidence against Trellison was circumstantial, and rested -mainly on two facts; one of these was his inveterate dislike of Strale, -which, with all his caution, he had been unable to conceal; the other -was the very late hour of his return, and his disturbed and agitated -manner, which was remarked by several persons, as soon as he entered -his lodgings. In his defence, he stated very forcibly his objections to -the first branch of evidence, declaring that nothing less than madness -could prompt even an enemy to a kind of revenge which was so rash, and -must recoil so soon on the aggressor. He explained the lateness of his -return by saying that he walked with one of the young ladies for nearly -half an hour before he left Boston, and on taking his leave, he came -home on the public road, and was himself surprised, on his arrival, at -the lateness of the hour.</p> - -<p>The magistrate demanded the name of the young lady, as her evidence -might be important in the case.</p> - -<p>Trellison replied, that he should give it with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> reluctance, but would -do it, if the requirement was mandatory.</p> - -<p>The magistrate repeated the question, and insisted on a prompt reply.</p> - -<p>'The name of the lady,' said Trellison, 'is Miss Graham.'</p> - -<p>Walter started at this annunciation, and the blood rushed to his face; -but he recovered himself in a moment, and the sudden flush escaped the -notice of all excepting Trellison.</p> - -<p>The magistrate thought it necessary to send for Miss Graham, and -ordered that Trellison should be held in custody till the next day, -when Miss Graham's evidence would be taken, and all the parties should -have a fair hearing.</p> - -<p>Strale and Lyford now requested that Trellison might be liberated on -his own bail. They also stated the complaint had been made against -their wishes, and they believed the evidence was such as did not -warrant his committal. But the magistrate immediately ordered Trellison -to prison, and rebuked the young students for meddling with his -official duties. The public feeling was very strong against Trellison, -and scarcely any doubt remained, that on the next day he would be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> -convicted of an aggravated assault, with intent to murder.</p> - -<p>At this stage of the business, to the surprise of all, two young men, -members of college, appeared and declared themselves the parties in -fault. They stated, that having been in Roxbury the preceding afternoon -on a shooting excursion, they had taken supper at an inn on their -way home, and after supper several persons came in, and the evening -was occupied in card-playing and wine-drinking; the wine proved too -strong for them, so much so as to make them wholly unconscious of -the earthquake, the news of which surprised them, the next day. On -their return home at a late hour, they saw a long distance behind -them a light, which they supposed proceeded from the lantern of some -members of college. They had now partially recovered from the effects -of the wine, and on seeing this light, they resolved to play off a -joke, and accordingly went into the neighboring woods and waited till -the students came up; they then fired successively, aiming at the -bushes a few rods in advance of the travellers. The guns were loaded -with buckshot only, but they supposed the unsteadiness of their aim<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> -proceeded from the fumes of wine, and on hearing Strale remark that his -hand was wounded, and seeing him by the light of the lantern hold it up -to his companion, they feared the joke had been carried too far, and -after waiting till the road was still, they went home.</p> - -<p>This relation established the innocence of Trellison beyond all doubt, -and very much to the annoyance of several officious individuals who had -prejudged the case, and fully believed in his guilt. Walter and Lyford -shared too in the awkwardness and confusion that followed. All they -could do was to make a full apology, and express their deep regret at -the course which had been taken. Trellison bowed haughtily, but in such -a manner as to show that the offence would not readily be forgiven. The -two young men who had made confession, were held to bail for subsequent -examination, and the parties soon after dispersed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER SIXTH.</h2> - -<p>A few days after the adventure in the woods, Lyford obtained leave -to visit his friends in Hadley. At that time such a journey was no -small affair; and the road was so new, so little travelled, and the -settlements on the way were so thinly scattered, that it required a -good deal of preparation, and was usually performed on horseback. There -were no inns on the road, except a small house in the settlement at -Worcester, and a log cabin in the neighborhood of Brookfield, where -food and lodging might be had.</p> - -<p>The journey was undertaken in company with a friend, and the ride of -four days among the forests of New England was characterized by a -variety of romantic and pleasing incidents. It was not without peril -of life and limb, for the road was often precipitous, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> though -sometimes travelled in sleighs and wheel carriages, these conveyances -were little adapted to its rugged surface, and afforded small comfort -to their riders. The road was perfectly known to Lyford, and the -scenery on the way was so picturesque and beautiful that he often -paused in admiration on some of the cliffs over which his path led -him, and gazed long and with lively interest at those wild and rugged -features of nature which the labor of man has since softened into -the calmer lineaments of pleasant meadows, flourishing gardens and -cultivated fields.</p> - -<p>The village of Hadley had been the residence of the venerated Gen. -Goffe. Every incident in his grandfather's history, every spot which -the illustrious exile loved, was dear to the memory of Lyford. In their -early childhood, James and his sister were the solace of many a weary -hour, and threw around the aged patriot the last gleams of sunshine -which fell on his troubled career. Every one loved the old man; and -the mandate of the royal Stuart and his bribe of gold were of no force -among the peaceful villagers, who well knew the veteran's retreat, -and could never be persuaded, by promise or threat,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> to betray him. -The sympathies of the community in which he lived were wholly on his -side, and all those friendly offices which affection could suggest, or -kindness confer, were liberally bestowed. But the tyrannical Charles -was then in the zenith of his power, and the last days of Goffe were -imbittered by the tidings of his constant and successful aggressions -on the laws and liberties of England. Whatever were his errors in -pronouncing judgment upon the only Stuart who commands the sympathy -and affection of posterity, it is certain that Gen. Goffe deplored -the necessity of such a sacrifice, and acted under a strong, but -misguided sense of duty. His name is yet held in honored and grateful -remembrance; his ashes rest in a land where no kingly prerogative -tramples with its iron foot on the sacred rights of man, and where -the blessed vision that shone so brightly on his eye, is a living and -glorious reality.</p> - -<p>During Lyford's absence, his sister returned to Salem, and Walter -applied himself with new vigor to his studies. Before Mary left Boston, -however, their mutual vows had been pledged, with the full consent -of Walter's parents, whose reply to his earnest request<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span> was as kind -and affectionate as he could desire. Strale had never requested Miss -Graham to explain the circumstances of Trellison's long interview -with her on his way home from Mr. Elliott's, but as she was aware of -the difficulties which occurred at Cambridge on the next day, and of -the singular and suspicious attitude in which Trellison's declaration -had placed her, she now thought it proper to make Walter acquainted -with all the facts in the case. It appeared that Mr. Trellison had -long persisted in a class of attentions which were exceedingly -annoying and disagreeable, and Miss Graham determined to accept his -offer to accompany her home, with a view to put a final end to his -importunities. On this occasion Trellison again renewed his request, -that she would so far permit his attentions as to allow him the hope of -a future union, declaring that his love was stronger than death, and -that no conceivable suffering could be equal to that which must follow -the abandonment of his hope. Miss Graham had long known the strength -of his attachment, and in reply assured him that in many points he -possessed her esteem and respect, but beyond that, she could give no -response to his feelings,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> and begged he would cease his attentions, -declaring once for all, that all hope and expectation on his part were -entirely groundless, and must terminate, as her affections were already -fixed upon another, and his duty to himself and to her required that -he should no longer molest her with such attentions as she could never -reciprocate.</p> - -<p>The result of this interview accounted for the haggard and troubled -appearance of Trellison on his return to Cambridge. It was a fatal -blow to his hopes, it struck deeply at his pride, and aroused a train -of reflections and purposes which, under various disguises, were so -interwoven with the severity of his religious views, as to conceal -from him in part their real turpitude. He could not forgive Strale for -supplanting him, as he supposed, in Mary's love. He began to think Miss -Graham herself was not the angelic being his fancy had pictured, and a -feeling of bitterness against both soon passed over his mind, which he -chose to indulge, as furnishing some antidote to the disappointment and -shame which had nearly overwhelmed him.</p> - -<p>It was now the clear sunshine of happiness with Walter. His long -cherished object had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> been attained, and he looked forward with pride -and pleasure to the day when he could call Miss Graham his own, and -present her to his parents as the object of his warmest love.</p> - -<p>Mary, too, was happy; but there was one blot in the beautiful picture -she was contemplating. Strale was not decidedly religious. His -principles were firm, his views of religion serious and respectful; -but this was not sufficient or satisfactory. She was desirous most of -all, that he might possess that inestimable pearl, which he who obtains -will never give up, and he who refuses to seek will never obtain. Her -conversations with Walter on religious subjects were frequent and -serious; and every day, while they were together, she had the happiness -to find him more deeply interested, and more determined that his future -well being should become a matter of personal concern and solicitude.</p> - -<p>On the last evening before Mary left Boston, the conversation was more -than usually interesting. The day had been clear and cold—there was -little snow on the ground, but it presented a smooth surface of ice -over which they found a pleasant walk on the borders of the forest -which then occupied, in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> wildness of its original growth, the -present site of the Boston common. The moonlight was falling among the -trees, and was also reflected from the ice and snow, whose beautiful -expanse was visible on the south. The subject of conversation was the -character of New-England piety. Walter had serious objections to its -general features, which he thought were unnatural and unwarranted -by the scriptures. He objected to its harshness and severity, its -alliance to bigotry and superstition, its restraint upon the buoyancy -and cheerfulness of youth, and its rigid demands upon the time and -attention of its professors.</p> - -<p>'These, Mary,' said he, 'are difficulties which I cannot get over. -Surely religion was never intended to strip the world of its beauty -and clothe it in unnatural gloom. It must animate all our joyous -sensibilities, and not suppress them—it must give us bright pictures -of the future life, and not such as will cast shadows and gloom over -the present.'</p> - -<p>'Religion, Walter,' replied Mary, 'must strip the world of its false -beauty, and present it in its true light. It must frown upon every -sensibility, however joyous, which is sinful. It claims our supreme -regard, and demands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> the first place in our pursuits, the first in -our affections. The beauty and color of the richest wine are often -heightened by the poisonous drug—shall we therefore press the chalice -to our lips? Will you not agree with me that most of that which charms -the youthful mind is false and illusive?'</p> - -<p>'I have often found it so. But on the other hand, is there no excess -in religious sensibility? Do not insanity and despair sometimes follow -in the train of excited apprehensions of future wrath, and is not the -imagination often terrified and distracted by groundless alarms?'</p> - -<p>'This excess of sensibility is not peculiar to religious subjects. The -intense application of the mind to any subject of absorbing interest -will often destroy its balance, and unfit it for usefulness and -happiness. How is it with the men of pleasure, of wealth, of talent -and fame? Are they not overthrown sometimes by the excitement of their -several vocations? And can religion, Walter, which is of all themes the -most exciting, be always contemplated with such calmness as never to -distract the mind?'</p> - -<p>'It is not religion, dear Mary, that I object to; but to those -distorted and unnatural shapes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> which it seems to wear in the -community. Look now at the strange delusion which prevails at Salem. -Under color of religion, several innocent persons have been imprisoned, -charged with crimes which they cannot commit if they would; and yet we -are told the interests of true religion require their punishment.'</p> - -<p>'These are the excrescences of religion,' replied Mary, 'not the -thing itself. As to the witch stories, and the proceedings of the -magistrates, there is folly enough about them; but I am quite sure no -part of it is to be laid to religion. Superstition affects all minds -more or less. It has a most powerful agency in the papal church, and -is an important part of the machinery by which that evil system is -supported. I believe there is less of it here than elsewhere; and yet -if its elements are once in commotion, there is no absolute protection -against its power. Not many years since several persons were punished -in England for witchcraft, and it is unfortunate that the relations -between the physical and mental states are not better understood. The -ignorant and credulous too often mistake the disorders of their minds -for the influence of mysterious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> spirits and malignant demons, and -for want of a just discrimination, the most disastrous results will -sometimes follow.'</p> - -<p>'I am ashamed to confess, Mary, that my own experience goes to confirm -the truth of your remarks. I am not wholly free from superstitious -feelings. There have been times in my life when I was ready to start -at the fall of a leaf, and have felt an undefinable and mysterious -awe, for which I could trace no sufficient cause. I have been at times -almost ready to sympathize with those who look at the blooming of a -flower out of its season, or the sudden blighting of blossoms on the -tree, as intimations of death or some other calamity. I remember a -family of six brothers in Virginia, the youngest ten years of age, -and all of them in sound and vigorous health. A number of peach trees -in fine condition were growing in front of the house. They were very -remarkable for the abundance and excellence of their fruit. Early in -the spring before I left, those trees were observed to be full of -blossoms, when suddenly, and without apparent cause, the bloom of -three of them was blighted, and in a few weeks they died. Soon after I -reached <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>Boston I was informed by letter, that three of those brothers -were successively seized with fever and died. Was not this, Mary, a -shadow of things to come, a significant token of the desolation which -so soon fell upon the family? Was it not at least remarkable in its -circumstances?'</p> - -<p>'Just now, Walter, you seemed to warn me against superstition, and then -suggested a train of thought which could not fail to awaken it, if I -had any. Indeed, Walter, I have no belief in its being a wonder, even -as you state it. What is more common than for a peach tree to be full -of blossoms, and then suddenly die. A worm at the root, a thousand -blighting influences, are constantly at work to undermine its little -life; and if the incident contains an impressive lesson, it does not -warrant us in believing it the design of Providence to reveal thereby -the deaths which soon after occurred.'</p> - -<p>'You are not so credulous even, as I am,' said Walter, 'and I certainly -am not so religious as you are. This would seem to prove there is no -tendency in your religion to blend itself with superstition. It is -therefore but reasonable that I should give up this point. Yet that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span> -superstition now reigns to an alarming degree in this very religious -community is not to be denied. The singular antics and wild fancies of -those who are so strangely affected, will easily satisfy the multitude -of the presence and power of evil spirits; and where shall we look -for a remedy? Now, strange as it may seem to you, it is my belief, if -public amusements were introduced, assemblies for dancing, and even -theatrical exhibitions, these would do more to banish the delusion than -any thing else. The truth is, I hear so many strange things, so well -accredited from sources so respectable, that I half believe Satan has -been let loose upon the community, and is moulding the opinions and -conduct of men according to his own will.'</p> - -<p>'The measures you propose, to drive him off,' said Mary, laughing, -'would rather induce him to stay. He is said to be very much at home -in places where these amusements abound. Nevertheless, if I were sure -he would be so well satisfied with the means you propose, as to let go -his hold upon the fancies of the community, I think we might be gainers -by the exchange. It would be substituting the lesser for the greater -evil.' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p> - -<p>'What surprises me most,' said Walter, 'is the ready credence which -is given to those who say they are affected by witches. Judge Sewall, -who is certainly a wise and cool tempered man, Gov. Stoughton, and -other distinguished men, are firm believers in the reality of these -affections; and there is even now an appeal to the Mosaic scriptures -to punish witches with death. One of its commands, 'Thou shalt not -suffer a witch to live,' is quoted as a divine warrant for judicial -proceedings; and such is the zeal manifested in the cause, I fear it -will lead to the death of those individuals who are now in prison.'</p> - -<p>'Well, Walter, whatever comes of it, do not, I pray you, impute it to -religion. It has nothing to do with it. Some of the most pious in the -land are doing all in their power to divert the public feeling into a -different channel. There is Mr. Higginson, my own minister, of Salem, -venerable and beloved by all; Mr. Willard, here, Mr. Brattle and Mr. -Leverett, the latter your own tutor at Cambridge; all these, and many -others, though to some extent believers in witchcraft, are entirely -opposed to the interference of the law, and think the evil will soon -cure itself. Let<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> us trust in Providence that all will come right. And -for you, dear Walter, I dread the thought that this mental epidemic -should lead you to distrust for a moment the efficacy and power of -the gospel. Believe it, Walter, for it is assuredly true: the gospel, -received and trusted, is the best remedy for every mental and moral -disorder.'</p> - -<p>'It would be happy for me, dear Mary, could the same christian graces -which adorn your character, shine forth in mine. I know that true piety -towards God is my only safeguard from the ills of life, my only hope -for the life to come. I believe in the great truths you profess. I long -to experience their power in my own heart, and whatever sacrifice of -the world it may cost, I hope through the mercy of a Redeemer, I shall -be his willing and obedient disciple.'</p> - -<p>The conversation closed as they reached the door of Mr. Hallam, with -whose family Mary was to spend the last night of her stay in Boston.</p> - -<p>It was not surprising that a superstition so unwarrantable should give -to a mind like Strale's, false and unfavorable notions of religion. He -imputed the delusion to what he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> thought the sternness and severity of -the popular religious feeling, not considering that a simple analysis -of the mind will develope a multitude of causes, upon which the -imputation may far more justly rest. The conversation we have related -tended very much to dispel this error, and in the painful scenes which -were soon to be developed, he was enabled to distinguish with great -accuracy between the religious principle and the wild and dreadful -fanaticism with which it was attended.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER SEVENTH.</h2> - -<p>It was now the latter end of February, 1692. The winter had been -cold, and the ground since December had most of the time been covered -with snow. Our young friend, James Lyford, we left in Hadley. He was -spending a few weeks in the family of Mr. Temple, who in the days -of General Goffe was his intimate friend, and by his generosity and -personal society had contributed greatly to the quiet and happiness -of the exiled patriot. James had spent his early youth in Hadley, -and a thousand pleasant associations were connected with its natural -scenery, and the localities and friends of his childhood. The little -time allowed for his visit, passed rapidly away, and his engagements -at college required his return early in March. He wished also to spend -a few days in Worcester on his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> return, to see a friend who had just -located in that new settlement. One of Mr. Temple's sons, named Henry, -a lad of fourteen years of age, was permitted to accompany him.</p> - -<p>The little fellow had heard much of Boston, and longed to see a place -which contained so many objects to gratify curiosity. The notions of -the peaceful villagers of Hadley, in those days, were confined very -much to their own beautiful territories, and they never thought of -visiting Boston except for purposes of business, and having supplied -their wants, which were few and simple, they always gladly returned to -their homes, and in the community of friendship and good will, together -with the christian sympathy which pervaded their little settlement, -they found a degree of contentment and happiness, to which wealth, -fashion and luxury can never attain.</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife,</div> -<div class="i1">Their sober wishes never learned to stray;</div> -<div>Along the cool, sequestered vale of life,</div> -<div class="i1">They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.'</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>But the youth of Hadley were not always satisfied with the quiet scenes -of rural life. The fame of Boston, its high buildings,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> crowded market, -the steeples and bells of the churches, the ships in the harbor, and -its various objects of interest and attraction, possessed a charm which -never invested their own blue hills and blooming forests. Boston at -this time contained six thousand inhabitants, and was a beautiful town, -covered with fine buildings, pleasant gardens, and streets ornamented -by trees. Many of our young readers will remember their feelings, when -for the first time they came to visit this now splendid city, and will -readily imagine those of young Temple, when the same prospect, though -in miniature, was held out to his eye.</p> - -<p>It required some special preparation for a journey to Boston, the -distance being one hundred miles, and through a country but little -travelled, and with only two inns on the road. The sleighing was now -fine, and Lyford preferred this mode of conveyance, as they had several -articles to carry, which could not be taken on horseback. Mr. Temple -provided them with every thing necessary for themselves, and provender -for the horse; they had also materials for producing fire, an axe, and -a shovel, to be used in case of snow-drifts, besides the trunk which -contained <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>Lyford's clothes, and books; a rifle, with sufficient powder -and ball, completed their arrangements for the journey.</p> - -<p>Thus equipped, the two friends started on the twenty-sixth of February, -and in the evening arrived at a little settlement, thirty miles from -Hadley, where they passed the night. Leaving early the next morning, -they hoped to reach Worcester in the evening, and they rode quietly -most of the day, moving very slowly on account of the difficulties of -the road, which was but slightly broken. The morning had been fine and -clear, but towards noon the clouds came up, and the wind changed to -northeast,—indicating one of those violent snow-storms which sometimes -filled up the roads, and placed a long embargo on social intercourse. -As the day declined, it began to snow, and James now urged his horse -to his utmost speed, as they were far from any habitation, and there -seemed no alternative, but either to get to Worcester, or perish -in the woods. The snow was now falling thick and fast, with a high -northeast wind directly in the faces of the travellers, and creating -new obstacles to the already difficult road; the evening was at hand, -and they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> were still ten miles from Worcester, and so violent was the -storm, that it soon became evident they could not reach the settlement. -In this dilemma, they hesitated for a moment, when James recollected a -kind of shed he had seen on his way up, about a mile from their present -position; and being assured that the only chance for their lives was in -reaching that spot, they redoubled their efforts, James clearing the -way with his shovel, and Henry leading the horse, the tempest meanwhile -raging with the greatest violence.</p> - -<p>The horse was now hardly able to keep his feet, having been jaded -and exhausted by incessant toil, and they were still a quarter of a -mile from the shed: at this moment they reached a high drift, which -it seemed impossible to pass; and Henry, worn out with cold and -fatigue, could no longer make the least effort. Lyford was now in the -most alarming circumstances; he was himself greatly fatigued, and -his strength could not much longer sustain him. He placed Henry in -the sleigh, and covered him with blankets, while he returned to the -snow-drift with his shovel, and in half an hour worked through. It -was now dark, and the wind had fortunately blown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> the snow from the -remainder of the road to the shed, which he reached, at last, nearly -overcome by anxiety and fatigue. It was well they found a resting-place -there, for just before them an immense snow-drift reared its white -and impassable barrier, which the strength of twenty men could not -sufficiently reduce, and there was no circuit by which it could be -avoided.</p> - -<p>The shed under which our travellers were now resting, was built of -logs, and wholly open in front; it faced the south, and its roof, -composed of lighter wood, sloped nearly to the ground. It was built -merely to feed horses on their way, and furnish a convenient spot, -where travellers might rest for an hour. In one corner was a rough -chimney, made of stones, but there was no furniture of any description, -and little shelter from rain when the wind was south; but it seemed to -our travellers, in their forlorn condition, like a home of safety and -rest. They were yet unable to tell what might befall them, but their -first duty of devout thanksgiving to a kind and protecting Providence -was immediately and gratefully performed.</p> - -<p>The storm had now increased to a furious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> tempest; the wind roared -among the trees, and its wild and startling echoes sounded from the -valleys and rocks. Sometimes they came in the loud tones of thunder, -and then in the rapid sweep of the whirlwind; and vast clouds of -snow were driven along the open spaces, and piled in huge heaps near -the open front of the shed, affording some additional shelter to its -inmates. But the place was at best a cold and comfortless lodging: -there was no wood for a fire, and only the dim candle of the lantern -to afford them light. In these circumstances, Lyford made the best -possible arrangements for the night: the sleigh was placed in a corner, -two large blankets were extended before it and fastened to a pole, -which was secured to a low beam that ran across the shed, and by a -rude frame-work supported its roof. This contrivance furnished a kind -of enclosure, which kept out the snow, and afforded a partial shelter -for the horse as well as themselves. The poor animal, thoroughly -exhausted, on being loosed from the harness, immediately laid himself -down, and was covered by a blanket, and protected as far as possible -from the storm. Lyford prepared a bed in the sleigh,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> of such materials -as he could collect, and after taking some refreshment they covered -themselves and went quietly to rest.</p> - -<p>When the morning appeared, the storm was wild and fierce as ever. An -immense quantity of snow had fallen, the atmosphere was filled with its -driving masses, and there seemed no prospect of a favorable change. -Lyford dug his way a few steps from the shed, but it was vain to -contend with the furious elements, and he was glad to retreat to his -forlorn shelter. By the light of day he discovered a quantity of broken -wood and branches of trees, which afforded them the relief of a fire; -and this was the more necessary, as the air was now excessively cold. A -survey of their supplies followed, by which it appeared their corn and -provisions were sufficient, with economy, for eight or ten days; the -horse, however, it was necessary to keep on very short allowance, as -there was little prospect that they could proceed on their journey for -ten days at least.</p> - -<p>On the third day the storm abated, and in the afternoon the sun -came forth in his glory. Lyford succeeded in digging his way to a -neighboring tree, and ascended to its topmost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> branches, where he -beheld a vast and trackless expanse of snow, which had spread over hill -and valley to an average depth of nearly three feet, but which in many -places was piled like mountains, and seemed to defy all the power of -man to break down its barriers and force a passage.</p> - -<p>As Lyford descended from the tree, he saw a dark object on the snow, -about a quarter of a mile distant, and in the direction of what -appeared to be the road. It first seemed like the trunk of a tree, -which had been burned to a coal, yet he soon perceived it had a slow -motion towards him. His curiosity was strongly excited, and he gazed -with increasing interest, until the outlines of a human figure were -distinctly visible, as it dragged its slow pace through the heavy -snow drifts towards Lyford. In about an hour from the time he was -discovered, Pompey—for it was no other than he—stood before Lyford, -who was extremely perplexed and surprised at his sudden appearance.</p> - -<p>'Be this you, Massa James?' said Pompey. 'How came you up in dis tree, -and among dese snow banks?'</p> - -<p>'It will be time enough to ask these <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>questions when I get out. But -what brings you here, Pompey?'</p> - -<p>'Come to find you, Massa. Went to Wooster first, but no Massa Lyford -there—so I came all the way here. Will you tell me, Massa, where I get -something to eat?'</p> - -<p>'All in good time. But where did you stay last night, Pompey?—you -could hardly walk a mile a day through such snow drifts as these.'</p> - -<p>'Staid in the trunk of a tree, Massa, these two nights, and glad to get -there,—snow storm drove me in. I look out to-day, and saw a man climb -a tree. I thought if Pompey get to that man, he may find something -better than snow to eat.'</p> - -<p>'Hard fare, Pompey; how do you like this blessed land now?'</p> - -<p>'Nothing but trouble in it, Massa James; kicks, prisons, and -snow-storms. No such things in Virginny. Hope Massa Walter send me back -before de debils carry me off. Boston and Salem full of debils as dey -can hold; de women full of debils, too, and de men running as if de -debils were after them. Here's a letter for you, Massa Lyford.'</p> - -<p>James took Pompey to the shed, where the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> poor negro obtained some -food, and was soon in a condition to give some further account of -himself. The letter he brought was from Strale, in which he requested -Lyford to return without delay. He stated that universal distrust -prevailed, and that consternation and dismay extended to every circle; -the regular studies at college were interrupted, accusations for -witchcraft were coming in from every quarter, and it was fully believed -the reign of Satan had commenced. For himself, he held the popular -notions in utter contempt; but it was foolish and dangerous to oppose -them openly, and he begged that Lyford would not tarry at Worcester, -but return at once, as his counsel and assistance might be necessary; -and as no one was safe, it was better for him to be at home, where such -measures might be adopted, as the course of events should require.</p> - -<p>Walter had despatched this letter to Worcester, in the expectation that -Lyford was there; but the faithful negro, finding he had not arrived, -pushed on towards Hadley, until driven by the snow-storm into such -shelter as he could find, when he fortunately discovered Lyford in the -manner we have related. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was impossible to leave the shed with any hope of making progress -through the snow; the travellers were therefore compelled to wait for -a change of weather. They succeeded in procuring wood enough in the -neighborhood to keep up their fire, and by good management they were -tolerably comfortable for a few days. During this time, the solitary -waste was cheered by no voice or track of man; all was silent, save -that now and then the loud report of Lyford's rifle, aimed at some -passing wild-fowl, sent its echoes among the trees: but on the sixth -day a gentle south wind sprung up, which was soon followed by a cloudy -sky, and in the evening torrents of rain began to fall, which deluged -the country like a flood. It continued all the next day, and it was -with great difficulty a dry spot could be preserved in the shed. In -the evening it cleared up; the wind suddenly changed to north-west, -and became extremely cold. The next day, being the eighth from the -time they first entered the shed, the travellers were again on their -way over a smooth surface of snow and ice; and in two hours the little -cluster of houses at the settlement, with its white church spire, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>greeted their eyes, and gave them promise of refreshment and rest.</p> - -<p>Such adventures as these were very common among the pioneers of New -England. Her vigorous and hardy population, despising the rigor of -the climate, penetrated her deepest recesses, planted themselves in -the midst of her forests, and there, rich in contentment, in honest -industry and vigorous health, and above all in the unfettered exercise -of the rights of conscience, they fulfilled their work on earth, and -calmly and peacefully descended to their graves. Other generations -like themselves have filled the land; the welcome of hospitality, the -house of God, the family altar, the blessed Bible, and the thousand -endearments of home and friends,—these, all these, and unnumbered -other blessings, have been conferred upon New England by her primitive -inhabitants, and are at once the monuments of their fidelity, and the -pledges that if the sons walk in the footsteps of the fathers, she will -continue to advance in national eminence and glory.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER EIGHTH.</h2> - -<p>The demon of superstition was now abroad in New England. The -unaccountable delusion of witchcraft so pervaded the public mind, that -suspicions and jealousies were engendered among the nearest friends; -perplexity and astonishment were visible in every countenance. So -strange were the movements of those who were supposed to be affected -by demons, and such the confessions of reputed witches, that men of -sober judgment and highly gifted minds were involved in the general -belief, and united in the execration of those who were believed to be -confederate with Satan and his emissaries. Neither age nor rank were -exempted from suspicion, and those who were charged with practicing -witchcraft upon almost any testimony, were arrested and committed to -prison. Many deserted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> their homes and went into other parts of the -country; days of fasting and prayer were multiplied; parts of the -Bible were hung around the neck, as a defence against the power of the -devil; and a constant dread of the black book which was supposed to be -in circulation among the witches, and was said to contain the terms of -treaty with Satan, kept the minds of the credulous in constant distress -and anxiety.</p> - -<p>This delusion, it is well known, prevailed mostly in Salem and its -vicinity. To the disturbed fancies of the populace, the very air was -peopled with demons, and Satan, loosed from his chains, was tormenting -men before their time. A few persons withstood the delusion, but it -was at the peril of their lives, if they attempted open opposition: -such was the popular frenzy that, if any question were raised as to the -reality of these unseen agencies, it was considered a fair case for -prosecution, and the bold innovator was in constant peril of reputation -and life. Still there were some who had the courage to remonstrate, and -who employed every art of persuasion and influence to stay the ruin -which they saw was coming on the land. They also favored the escape of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> -many who were accused; and, though believers themselves, to a certain -extent, in this kind of Satanic influence, they always opposed those -measures of cruelty and shame, in which the fatal tragedy was finally -closed.</p> - -<p>Among these benevolent and excellent men, the names of Willard -of Boston, Brattle of Cambridge and Higginson of Salem are most -conspicuous. These gentlemen refused all part in the witch -prosecutions, and earnestly protested against bringing the crime of -witchcraft before the civil tribunals, alleging that the individuals -charged with this sin were in the hands of God, who alone had a right -to punish them, and that the liability to mistake in the nature of -the evidence, and the want of a just discrimination, on a subject -so mysterious, entirely disqualified the courts to act upon such -cases. Their efforts, however, were in vain; yet it may be reasonably -believed that, to some extent, they were able to modify and soften -the proceedings of the courts, though it was impossible to control or -suppress them.</p> - -<p>Lyford started for Boston about the tenth of March, spending but a -single day at Worcester. The people at this settlement were astonished -at the tidings which reached them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> from Boston and Salem; but they were -fortunate enough to escape the mania, and, though disposed to the same -general belief, they viewed the cases of such as were accused in a -much more calm and benevolent light, and were disposed to regard them -as subjects of pity and prayer rather than as outcasts from God and -man. But as Lyford approached Boston, he discovered among the people -a bitter hatred of the supposed witches, and a belief that no service -could be more pleasing to God than to destroy them utterly from the -land. He saw at once the terrible engine of power, which designing -men might seize to punish private wrongs, and push their projects of -revenge for real or supposed injuries. He knew the self-blinding power -of the human mind, and how readily its dark purposes assume the form of -religious duties and wear the counterfeit of the heavenly graces. And -it was this view that filled him with apprehensions and forebodings, -which neither conscious rectitude nor the power of reason could allay.</p> - -<p>It was the first object of Lyford, after seeing Strale, to visit his -sister at Salem; but as he could give no satisfactory reason for his -journey, without disclosing his relation to Mary,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> the government of -the college refused his request, and his long absence in the winter was -assigned as the cause. In this dilemma, it was determined that Walter, -to whom this objection did not apply, should visit Salem and ascertain -the true state of things, and the danger, if any, to which Mary might -be exposed. The engagement of the parties was now publicly known, and -Walter's request was immediately granted.</p> - -<p>On his arrival at Salem, which was about the latter part of March, -he found such a state of consternation and terror as could scarcely -be described. Witches were every where. They would flit through the -streets after sunset; and at an early hour in the evening, demons, with -long tails and cloven feet, were stalking about, partly concealed in -mists and shadows, but taking care to show enough of their origin to -keep the good people of Salem within doors after dark, and thus they -had the whole promenade to themselves. Some of the old ladies averred -that they were visible in the day time, and that one of them was -perched in Mr. Higginson's pulpit on a Sabbath afternoon and kept the -place till the good man opened the Bible and read the passage about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> -resisting the devil, when he suddenly decamped, leaving behind him a -long train of fire, and filling the church with the fumes of sulphur. -Mr. Higginson did not, however, appear conscious of the victory he had -attained; for, when told of it the next day, he remarked, that he never -supposed such extraordinary power in any one passage of the Bible; -but since the testimony was so clear, he hoped they now possessed the -means of expelling all the evil spirits in Salem, and he prayed that -his people would not fail to use these weapons, as they were certainly -lawful, and their own observation had shown them to be successful.</p> - -<p>Mary Graham had resided, for several years, in the family of Mr. -Ellerson. This gentleman was of course acquainted with all the -circumstances of her history, and had manifested towards her the utmost -kindness and friendship. In fact, no one, at all acquainted with Miss -Graham, could fail to esteem and admire her character. It had been -the special care of Mrs. Ellerson to instruct her in all the pleasing -accomplishments of genteel life, and at the same time, to restrain -her from those amusements and follies, which dissipate the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> mind and -unfit it for religious contemplation and duty; she therefore gave, as -much as possible, a serious complexion to her studies and seasons of -social enjoyment. The pupil well repaid the care of the teacher, and, -at the age of eighteen, beautiful, accomplished and beloved by all, she -entered the best circles, and we have already had some glimpses of the -virtues which adorned her character. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson had been -consulted in every stage of her relations to Strale, and the affair was -not concluded without their entire concurrence and approval. Walter was -of course a welcome visiter at their house, whenever he had opportunity -and leave of absence from college. But these seasons were necessarily -very infrequent, as the college discipline allowed little time for -recreation, and required a strict attention to the regular studies.</p> - -<p>The circumstances in which Walter now found his friends, were -altogether new and peculiar. A gloom was spread over the town, which -was relieved by no cheerful meetings of friends, no lively airs of -music, nor even the busy hum of trade. The streets of the village were -silent as the fields that surrounded them, and the necessary offices of -kindred and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> friendship were imbittered by suspicion, and discharged -with indifference and coldness. The common ties of relationship and -affection were nearly dissolved, and piety itself was forced into -unnatural relations with credulity and superstition.</p> - -<p>About twenty persons were now in prison, awaiting their trial for -practicing witchcraft; others were daily suspected and arrested; and -there was scarcely an individual in Salem, who was not more or less -under the influence of this delusion. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson were among -the most incredulous; yet facts and statements were daily going the -rounds, which were so well supported, and the reality of this mystical -influence was so generally believed, that persons as reflecting and -considerate even as they were, did not escape the incipient stages of -the public malady.</p> - -<p>The hour for tea had nearly arrived, when Walter entered the parlor -of Mr. Ellerson. Mary was not at home, having engaged to pass the -afternoon and evening with the Misses Higginson. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson -were also absent, and Walter, after having spent an hour with Mary and -her companions, and engaged to return for her in the evening,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> went -back to await the arrival of his friends, the Ellersons. They returned -about seven o'clock, and the conversation was very soon directed to the -prevailing topic of the day.</p> - -<p>'You have a strange atmosphere in Salem,' said Walter; 'every thing -looks unnatural and melancholy; I hope the witches have kept away from -your house, Mr. Ellerson?'</p> - -<p>'They would not find very pleasant quarters here, Walter; but as -all the other houses in town are full, they may for want of better -accommodations force their way in. Their reception might be somewhat -cold, but I am told they are not very scrupulous where they once get -possession.'</p> - -<p>'It is a singular business,' replied Walter; 'but the more I think of -it, the stronger is my conviction that it is all a fatal delusion, -foolish, wonderful, and wicked. I have no patience with such follies. I -have heard to-day stranger things than I ever read in the tales of the -fairies, the legends of Bagdad, or the whole system of pagan fables.'</p> - -<p>'You are always rash, Walter. You must look at the evidence in favor -of any alleged fact, however strange, before you decide<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> against its -truth. Have you seen any who profess to be troubled by witches?'</p> - -<p>'I have not,' said Walter; 'but that makes no difference; the stories -are incredible. There is no such influence at the present day, if there -ever was.'</p> - -<p>'I am going this evening, Walter,' said Mr. Ellerson, 'to see for -myself. There is a reputed witch, and a person said to be afflicted by -her, who reside about half a mile from us. I shall be glad if you will -go with me.'</p> - -<p>'Nothing will please me better,' said Walter. 'I have often felt the -influence of Satan, but have never seen him, and if he now makes his -appearance in this gross, terrestrial atmosphere, I would like to know -if my senses can discern him. I think we shall see he has many ways of -making fools of even sober and considerate men.'</p> - -<p>In a short time they set off, and a walk of ten minutes among the -pleasant gardens and cottages of Salem, brought them to a house, where -a crowd of people had gathered to witness the visible power of devils -over men. As they entered the room, a female dressed in the rustic -fashion of the country, was seated in a chair before them. She was -pale<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> and silent, but there was a wildness in her appearance, and a -fierce expression in her eye, which indicated that strange elements -were at work, suppressed for the time, but liable to act at any moment -with fearful energy. A supposed witch was presently conducted into the -room. She was an old lady, of tottering gait, and apparently in very -feeble health, but perfectly self-possessed and quiet. At sight of her, -the afflicted person sprang into the air, and uttering the wildest -cries, she raved about the room, and was hardly restrained by the force -of two men from escaping to the street. In a moment more, she sat down -with comparative tranquillity; but again her frame was agitated, and -she was suddenly lifted with no visible effort, and seemed for a moment -suspended in the air; then falling on the floor, she was quiet a little -while, when she gradually assumed a sitting posture, and began to -reason with some master demon, and called upon the witch to cease her -torment.</p> - -<p>'I have nothing to do with your torment,' said the old lady.</p> - -<p>'Then it is Satan that does it, by your means,' said the girl.</p> - -<p>'I have nothing to do with Satan, and know not what your torments are,' -was the reply. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p> - -<p>'That is the way Satan blinds you. When you are gone, I have no -suffering.'</p> - -<p>'You have greatly wronged me,' replied the lady; 'and on this account -I have no doubt my presence is painful to you. I hope God will forgive -you, and restore that reason, which in his inscrutable wisdom he has -taken away.'</p> - -<p>The old lady was now removed from the room, when the afflicted person -relapsed into a state of quiet, which was of course attributed to the -absence of the exciting cause.</p> - -<p>'This is a juggler's game, Mr. Ellerson,' said Walter; 'that person -accused is no more a witch than I am. If it be not an intended cheat, -it is a diseased mind, or a nervous irritability, which has been -trained into a system, and acts with some regularity. These people are -some of them knaves, and most of the remainder are fools; the reputed -witch is the only one in her right mind.'</p> - -<p>'I cannot decide so readily as you. There is some evidence in the -Scriptures of the reality of visible, Satanic influence, but I am -inclined to believe there has been little, if any of it, since the -Christian era; but how that female preserves her stationary posture in -the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> air, with no visible support, I cannot imagine. If you, Walter, -are wise on this point, I wish you would enlighten me.'</p> - -<p>'There is some mystery in it,' said Strale, 'but so there is in every -thing. To believe such follies we must renounce common sense, and I had -almost said a belief in a beneficent Providence. I have seen persons -poised on the fingers of others, in such a manner as to be apparently -unaffected by gravitation; the cause, no one explains; but if such -cases are scrutinized, it will doubtless be found they are perfectly -consistent with natural laws. Think you, Mr. Ellerson, it is possible -that the devil has such power on earth?'</p> - -<p>'He is the prince of the power of the air,' replied Mr. Ellerson. 'We -know that in the time of Christ, he did exercise power over the bodies -and minds of men, and may it not be impious in us to deny that he has -such influence now, though it may be in less degree?'</p> - -<p>'I would not be impious or irreverent on this or any other subject,' -rejoined Walter; 'yet there are so many natural causes, which may -account for these things, that I am very slow to attribute them to -the agency of Satan. I believe a limited power over man is possessed -by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> the arch apostate, but it seems to me the period of its physical -developement was confined to the early ages of the Christian church, -just as the age of miracles was measured and limited by the necessities -of the church. I doubt not he retains power to tempt men. I have felt -it myself, alas! too often; but, Mr. Ellerson, since I have known Mary, -she has led me to a brighter path of contemplation and hope. I would -be no visionary theorist; I would be an humble, serious, every-day -Christian.'</p> - -<p>'Such, dear Walter, I would have you to be. Such, indeed, I trust you -are,' replied Mr. Ellerson. 'True piety enlightens as well as purifies; -and let not, I pray you, this mysterious delusion, for such I must -regard it, disturb your faith in that Gospel, which must be your only -hope, for time and eternity. What will be the issue of these troubles, -no one can tell. A dark cloud has come over the land; when it shall -pass away is known only to Him, to whom darkness and the day are alike.'</p> - -<p>They had now reached Mr. Ellerson's dwelling. It was a beautiful -habitation, and the moon was shining brightly over the garden and a -neighboring grove, and falling in placid radiance on a little stream -which glided through<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> the field. That spot is now covered by mansions -of opulence and comparative grandeur; but the romance of the scene has -passed away, the white fence of the garden is broken down; the bed of -the stream is covered by the green earth, and the moonbeams shine over -the works of taste and art; but not with the simplicity and grace in -which they danced upon the forest oak and the tangled grove.</p> - -<p>Walter remained a few days at Salem, and notwithstanding the state of -things around him, it was one of the happiest periods of his life: -another and a sweeter illusion occupied his mind; the bright pictures -of coming days, undefaced by a single visible stain, passed in rapid -succession before his charmed imagination; the hopes of future years -gathered in beautiful groups on his eye, while he felt that the lovely -object, around which these visions were glittering, would soon be his -own.</p> - -<p>During this brief period, the conversation of the two friends was -devoted mainly to the subject of religion. The holy influences of the -Gospel had found their way to the mind and heart of Strale. He saw in a -new light the wonderful scheme of redemption; he admired and adored the -grace which had made him a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> partaker of its blessings, and he resolved -that his whole future life should illustrate its excellence and glory.</p> - -<p>We need not speak of the joy that glowed in the heart of Mary, as she -beheld and admired the change. Her cup of worldly happiness was full to -overflowing; she looked even upon the distracted community around her -in a calm reliance on Him who controls the tempest and stills its rage; -but she saw not the dark cloud that was even then gathering in her sky; -she heard not the dashing of those waves, which were soon to ingulf her -dearest hopes. The song of the sirens was too sweet to be hushed by the -distant thunder, and her unconscious feet were already treading on the -fatal shore.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER NINTH.</h2> - -<p>Nothing is more essential to a well-ordered civil government, than a -well-balanced public mind; for want of this, in different ages, laws -have been framed and penalties executed in cases which go beyond the -reach of human investigation, and relate to subjects of which we can -form only faint and obscure conceptions, and consequently all the -evidence touching such cases is more or less to be distrusted.</p> - -<p>At the period we are now contemplating, the connection between the -spiritual world and the physical being of man was supposed to be -developed in an extraordinary degree. It was believed the boundaries -between the material and invisible states were more clearly defined, -and that strange and startling intercourse was held by mysterious -agents, on these border territories. It was indeed no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> novelty in those -days for the civil courts to claim jurisdiction over the rambling -vagaries of the mind, and so far as any law affecting the social or -civil compact was plainly violated, it was certainly within their -office to punish the offence; but the courts travelled out of their -way, and, invading the natural rights of man, they entered a field -of inquiry, whose dim and uncertain forms could never be reduced to -facts, or supply materials of evidence, on which a sober mind could -rely. Of this nature was the court organized by Sir William Phipps, for -the trial and punishment of witches. It had no legitimate character, -and the functions it assumed were entirely beyond the rights of any -earthly tribunal. Nevertheless, its authority was acknowledged, and -its stern and dreadful mandates were obeyed as promptly as they were -issued. The influence of this court, by giving judicial sanction to the -extravagances of the times, tended very much to strengthen and prolong -the delusion, and the remarkable infatuation of the judges overcame the -plain common sense of the jury, which but for their influence would -soon have checked the mania, and restored the public mind to calmness -and reason. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p> - -<p>We have before remarked, that Mr. Willard, the minister of the South -Church, was strongly opposed to the proceedings of the courts. This -was the more remarkable from the fact, that the chief justice and two -of the judges were members of his church. Mr. Willard admitted the -possibility of Satanic influence, but he denied that it was visible -in any such form as to warrant judicial interference. He remonstrated -with great earnestness against the general movements, and there is no -doubt he suffered so much reproach on this account, that his remarkable -talents and exemplary piety could scarcely sustain him. It is certain -also, that he was accused of practicing witchcraft, and though the -complaint was rejected by the court, there were not wanting those who -believed him confederate with Satan, and a direct agent in promoting -his designs upon the people of New England. There were some, however, -who took Mr. Willard's ground, and boldly maintained that the court was -illegal, and could not in any sense take cognizance of such matters. -We have already mentioned Thomas Brattle and John Leverett, tutors -of Harvard College; and there is good reason to believe President -Mather was of the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> opinion, and attempted to restrain the popular -feeling; but no one was more bold than Robert Calef, an eminent -merchant of Boston, whose views on the subject were as sound and -discriminating as those of any man of that age. No individual did more -to dispel the delusion, and the records he has left behind have reared -an imperishable monument to his courage, fidelity, and success.</p> - -<p>Miss Graham had accepted an invitation from her friend Miss Elliott, -to spend the last two weeks of May in Boston. An intimate and endeared -friendship now existed between these two young ladies. It was greatly -promoted by Lyford, who had carefully studied the character of his -sister's friend, and there was no one in his judgment who surpassed -Miss Elliott in moral excellence, as well as mental accomplishments. -Every attention had been bestowed upon her education; and though her -manners and appearance were more formal and stately than comported with -the simplicity of the times, yet she universally secured the respect -and good-will of all classes in society.</p> - -<p>It was grateful to Mary's feelings to retire for a while from the -painful scenes she was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> every day compelled to witness at home. Her -health and spirits were sinking under the strange excitement which -pervaded the community at Salem and its neighborhood, and the change -she sought was now absolutely necessary. The two friends were entirely -agreed in matters of religious faith, and their intercourse with the -world was regulated by a scrupulous regard to Christian decorum and -example. The fashionable society of Boston was at that time professedly -religious; the outward forms of devotion were generally and greatly -respected; yet a powerful current of worldly influence was visible, -and the clergymen of those days complained that the vital power of the -Gospel was far too little manifested, in the lives and conversation of -its professors.</p> - -<p>On Miss Graham's arrival at Boston, she was visited by all her friends; -but the usual routine of social parties was now nearly suspended. The -painful suspicions and jealousies that were abroad had interrupted -the peace of families, and extensive divisions in the churches and -in general society were disturbing the public harmony, and shaking -the foundations of social confidence in a most alarming<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> degree. -Still the state of things was far better than in Salem; and though -the popular feeling even in Boston went along with the belief in -supernatural agencies, yet there was enough of common sense remaining -to oppose a formidable barrier to the action of courts and judges in -the business. This conservative influence prevailed most in the first -and third churches; but in the congregation of Cotton Mather, which -was very large, there was scarcely a dissenting voice from the general -belief, and the Sabbath day exercises at the North Church were almost -exclusively governed by the impressions of an invisible world; and the -church itself was regarded as the grand post of observation, from which -the march and countermarch of Satan's ranks were discerned, while he -moved at their head, enlisting recruits for his new kingdom, about to -be established.</p> - -<p>On the last week in May, a day of fasting and prayer had been solemnly -observed in reference to the prevailing calamities. The point of -Satan's visible agency was now scarcely disputed, and those who doubted -or disbelieved were in too much personal danger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> to make any public -protest against the prevalent doctrines; yet it was scarcely possible -for one who entertained such views as Walter to avoid an occasional -sarcasm; and Miss Graham herself was disposed to treat the subject with -lightness, in the hope that its folly might in this way be more readily -seen. The high standing they occupied was to some extent security -from danger. But, on the other hand, there was a feeling of envy and -jealousy towards the unsuspecting maiden, which soon involved her in -suspicions; and Miss Hallam, who regarded Walter's attachment to Mary -with extreme displeasure, availed herself of the general distrust to -produce unfavorable impressions wherever her influence extended.</p> - -<p>In this state of things the last Sabbath in May arrived. The religious -exercises of the week had prepared the people to expect that their -ministers would follow up the subject, and give such views of the -whole case as comported with their own convictions, and the teachings -of Scripture. The day was singularly beautiful; the freshness of its -early dawning, and the summer breezes, that were diffusing life and -joyousness around, were expressive of a mild and beneficent Providence; -but Nature<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> in her calm and delightful aspect, was all unconscious -of the dark figures and mysterious demons, that were thronging the -imaginations of men; her morning hymn was ascending in grateful chorus -from forest, valley, and stream; but she was no longer the handmaid -of devotion, for man refused to mingle in her silent or audible -aspirations, or in any sense, to bend the knee at her shrine.</p> - -<p>At ten o'clock, the bells rang for public worship, and the streets, -which till then had been silent as the desert, were now thronged -with multitudes on their way to the house of God. Sadness and sorrow -were visible in every countenance. The early flowers of spring, the -narcissus, the violet, and the snow-drop, which were wont to adorn the -dresses, or fringe the hair of the young and beautiful, were utterly -neglected, and the silent processions moved along the streets to their -respective places of worship, as if they were following the dead to -their burial. Even the church bells, which sent their cheerful melodies -among the valleys and rocks, now seemed to toll upon the ear, the -funeral dirge of all that was bright and happy in the land; the merry -laugh of childhood, the clear <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>sunshine of the brow of youth, and the -serene tranquillity of maturer years, were suppressed and clouded by -an unseen yet terrible influence, before whose mysteries Reason was -overthrown, and Religion herself was staggered.</p> - -<p>Miss Elliott and Mary, accompanied by their brothers and Strale, left -home at the usual time for public worship. As they passed along on -their way to the South Church, they were deeply impressed with the -state of feeling so obvious around them; to see their fellow beings -enslaved by a superstition so unnatural and absurd; to be unable to -break the fatal spell which had fallen upon nearly all, and to mark -in the dim future those undefined yet assuredly fatal consequences, -of whose nature and extent the worst apprehensions might be indulged, -filled their minds with anxiety and sorrow. But they endeavored to turn -from these sad meditations to the hopes and consolations of the Gospel -they loved, and which they firmly believed would deliver the mind from -its debasing thraldom, and give to its emancipated powers 'the glorious -liberty of the sons of God.' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p> - -<p>The South Church occupied the ground on which the present edifice -stands, and its site was then called 'the Green.' It was constructed of -cedar, and for those times it was an imposing and beautiful edifice; -its tall spire, rising from the midst of a grove of buttonwood trees, -and far above all surrounding objects, was gazed at with an interest -and reverence which in these days is not often bestowed on those -significant emblems which point upward to a 'house not made with hands, -eternal in the heavens.'</p> - -<p>The pulpit was located, as now, in the northeast side of the building, -and directly in front was a row of seats designed for and occupied -by the elders. A small enclosure, still further in front, and facing -the congregation, was occupied by the deacons, and before them was a -platform, on which the leader of the music stood and conducted the -psalmody, in which all who were able to sing, and some who were not, -were in the habit of uniting.</p> - -<p>On the present occasion, the service was commenced as usual by a -prayer occupying about ten minutes, and followed by a psalm from -the New-England version then in use, which was first read by Mr. -Willard, and then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> given out by the ruling elder, line by line, to -the congregation. The selection for the morning was the fifty-first -psalm, and its penitential character was strikingly adapted to the time -and circumstances of their worship. Many a charming voice united in -the simple melody, and many a contrite heart mingled its confessions -and prayers, in the true spirit of devotion, with those of the pious -psalmist.</p> - -<p>As we wish to bring into view the principal features of Sabbath-day -worship in those times, we give the following version of the psalm, in -the words in which it was sung:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Have mercy upon me, oh God!</div> -<div class="i1">According to thy grace;</div> -<div>According to thy mercies great,</div> -<div class="i1">My trespasses deface.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Oh! wash me throughly from my guilt,</div> -<div class="i1">And from my sin, me clear;</div> -<div>For I my trespass know, my sins</div> -<div class="i1">Before thee still appear.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Of joy and gladness, make thou me</div> -<div class="i1">To hear again the voice;</div> -<div>That so the bones, which thou hast broke,</div> -<div class="i1">May cheerfully rejoice.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>'From the beholding of my sin</div> -<div class="i1">Hide thou away thy face;</div> -<div>Likewise, all mine iniquities,</div> -<div class="i1">Oh! do thou clean deface.'</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>The musical critic may sneer at the peculiar metre and simple -versification, but it is probable the true design of sacred music was -far more readily attained in those days and in this homely garb, than -it can be by the high pretensions and meretricious ornaments of its -modern masters.</p> - -<p>The position of Mr. Willard was one of painful embarrassment. He had -publicly declared his dissent from the prevalent opinions, and in this -advanced stage of the popular delusion, when its early opposers were -every day falling into the ranks of its believers, it required no -small share of moral courage to maintain his ground. It was expected -he would now make known his opinions without reserve, and that these -opinions would appear greatly modified, if not totally changed. In this -expectation, the church was thronged by multitudes who were anxious to -quote his name and authority in support of the wild theories, which -were now so generally adopted and believed. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p> - -<p>The prayer which followed the music was distinguished for its -fervency and pathos, and as the pastor carried up the desires of the -congregation in his own affecting and impressive language, the fixed -and solemn attention of the audience, indicated that it was no formal -service, but one in which all the powers of the soul were deeply -absorbed. At the close of the prayer, another psalm was sung, in the -following words:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Thou hid'st in wrath and us pursuest,</div> -<div class="i1">Thou slay'st and dost not rue;</div> -<div>Thou so with clouds dost hide thyself,</div> -<div class="i1">Our prayer cannot pass through.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Fear and a snare is come on us,</div> -<div class="i1">Waste and destruction;</div> -<div>For my folks' daughters, now mine eyes</div> -<div class="i1">Run water rivers down.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Come thou into thy chambers, shut</div> -<div class="i1">Thy doors about thee fast;</div> -<div>Hide thou awhile, my people,</div> -<div class="i1">Awhile, till wrath be past.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Lo! from his place God comes again</div> -<div class="i1">The world for sin to smite;</div> -<div>Earth will her blood reveal—her slain—</div> -<div class="i1">Earth will bring all to light.'</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p> - -<p>The text was then announced, and was at once indicative of the -sentiments and designs of the preacher. It was the first verse of the -fourth chapter of John's Epistle: 'Beloved, believe not every spirit, -but try the spirits whether they be of God.'</p> - -<p>The preacher assumed as an undoubted fact, fully warranted by the -Scriptures, that spiritual agencies for good and ill were constantly at -work among men, but it was so difficult to define their nature, their -peculiar offices, and the extent of their power, that it was our wisdom -to avoid all speculation, except so far as was necessary to guard -against practical error.</p> - -<p>It was now a popular theory, that evil spirits assumed visible forms, -and were permitted to make compacts or treaties with such as were -pleased with their terms and conditions. This doctrine he denounced as -in the highest degree absurd and dangerous, declaring it was a delusion -fraught with the worst consequences, that the kind of evidence by which -this theory was supported was totally unwarranted, and could not for a -moment be trusted by a sound and discriminating mind.</p> - -<p>He then proceeded to analyze the mind, its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> nature, its liability to -mistake, its unsuspected deceits, its love of fable and delight in the -marvellous and supernatural. He pointed out the frequent errors of -the imagination; that it changes material substances, and creates in -air, on earth, and in the ocean, innumerable shapes, which it clothes -in beauty or gloom, according to the light in which these objects are -contemplated. He then described its effects on the physical system, -producing nervous agitation, fancied maladies, and strange distortions -of the countenance, which it falsely attributes to unnatural and unreal causes.</p> - -<p>Such being the character of the mind, it was impossible in the nature -of the case to discriminate so accurately between its own actings and -those of spiritual agents, as to measure the criminality of persons -charged with the practice of witchcraft, or warrant the interference of -the civil law. It often happens that a state of mind, supposed to be -in the highest degree criminal, is the result of insanity and disease, -and calls for sympathy and relief, instead of reproach and punishment; -and in conclusion he declared his full conviction, that a lying spirit, -like that of the prophets of Ahab, was now abroad in the land, and in -the fulness of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> his grief over the public calamities, he entreated and -charged his people to try the spirits, to criticise severely every -ground of accusation; for among the devices of Satan, none were more -common than deception and fraud, and it was not impossible for him to -persuade even the pious to believe a lie, for he was a liar from the -beginning, and himself the father of lies.</p> - -<p>Such a sermon and at such a time, could not fail to produce a strong -excitement. As the congregation retired from the house, signs of -displeasure were manifest on every side. The high reverence in which -the character of Mr. Willard had been held, could scarcely restrain the -general feeling of anger; but there were some who deeply sympathized -with their minister, and felt that this noble testimony against the -prevailing delusion, was as imperiously demanded, as it was faithfully -and fearlessly given.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER TENTH.</h2> - -<p>'It is good to see a little light in these dark days,' said Lyford, -addressing Miss Elliott on their return from church. 'Mr. Willard has -acted the hero and the christian.'</p> - -<p>'He has indeed,' said Margaret; 'I hope his counsels will be regarded; -for I am confident he has given them at the risk of his life.'</p> - -<p>'I never before heard a sermon,' said Lyford, 'which contained so much -sound mental philosophy. If feeling and fanaticism condemn it, reason -and common sense will approve. But he who has most of the former, and -least of the latter, is counted the wisest man in these days.'</p> - -<p>'Yet these are times,' said Margaret, 'in which the truly wise man may -add vastly to his stock of wisdom. It is interesting after all to trace -the windings and workings of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> fanaticism, especially when it acts -upon such minds as Cotton Mather's. This man is a perfect paradox to -me. His mind is original and bold, yet his language is often so puerile -as to disgrace his intellect. His manners and conversation are pleasing -and often fascinating; he is beyond all his compeers in industry and -intelligence, yet his pedantry and superstition are intolerable. I have -a great desire to hear him preach this afternoon. Miss Graham also -wishes to go; and as the occasion is so remarkable, I think we shall -be justified in leaving our own church. If you and Mr. Strale will -accompany us, your curiosity at least will be gratified, and we hope -some greater good may be the result.'</p> - -<p>Walter and Lyford readily consented, and when the interval of public -worship had elapsed, the party went to the North Church, where the -services commenced at two o'clock. An immense congregation had -assembled, for it was understood Mr. Mather would defend the popular -theories, and on such an occasion no one could be listened to with -more interest and attention. After the preliminary exercises by Dr. -Mather, which were exceedingly interesting, and a psalm of nearly the -same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> character as those sung at the South Church in the morning, the -text was announced by Cotton Mather from Isaiah xxviii., 15: 'For your -covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell -shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge shall pass by, ye shall -be trodden down by it.'</p> - -<p>The great object of this discourse was to support the position that -Satan has confederates among men, and that some of these individuals -are parties to a covenant or agreement, in virtue of which they are -regularly enlisted in his service, and empowered to act in his behalf.</p> - -<p>The nature and provisions of this contract, he alleged, were in general -uniform, though in some cases slight variations were made, and now and -then special powers were conferred. The confessions of witches, and the -concurring testimony of the Bible, furnished an amount of proof on this -subject, which, however remarkable and opposed to the usual course of -events, could not be rejected without incurring the displeasure of God, -and subjecting the land to still greater encroachments from the powers -of darkness. The providence of God had unfolded a variety of facts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> -from which we were enabled to state the general terms and conditions on -which the confederacy was founded, and he felt it due to the occasion -and to his people to make known its principal features, in the belief -that it might induce his hearers to watch the first approaches of -Satan, and shun every possible temptation.</p> - -<p>To the mind, in its common apprehensions, he said the influence of -Satan was only perceived in the general forms of temptation and -suggestion; but in proportion as it yielded its consent to sin, in -these days of Satan's peculiar power, its perceptions of the invisible -world became enlarged and distinct, and the advantages and pleasure -of sin were greatly magnified, while its dreadful consequences were -thrown entirely in the back ground, and the mind was wholly occupied -in grasping at the luminous and beautiful forms which were made to -pass over the imagination. In this state of feeling the suggestions of -Satan became more rapid and distinct, until they were imbodied in a -regular system. At this stage of the transaction, Satan appears in a -visible form, adapted to the temper and feelings of his victim, doing -no violence to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> natural taste, but assuming an air of dignity -and authority, blended with seeming kindness, and proffers his terms -of treaty on a scroll, in the form of interrogatory, in substance as -follows:</p> - -<p>First. Have you a supreme contempt for the laws and authority of God?</p> - -<p>Secondly. Are you disposed to resist his will, and gratify your own?</p> - -<p>Thirdly. Do you reject the Scriptures so called, as containing unjust -and unreasonable requirements?</p> - -<p>Fourthly. Do you contemn and despise the sacraments and institutions of -God?</p> - -<p>Finally. Do you surrender yourself, soul and body, to my service, to be -employed in whatever way I may judge conducive to the progress of my -kingdom among men?</p> - -<p>These questions, and others like them, are accompanied by a statement -of immunities and privileges which Satan promises to confer in case the -party gives his assent, and pledges himself to fidelity in all parts of -the compact to the best of his ability. The advantages to be conferred -on the part of Satan are as follows:</p> - -<p>First. He promises to preserve his subject<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> from all personal danger, -for having entered into this contract.</p> - -<p>Secondly. To allow him free indulgence in whatever sins may be most -agreeable to his taste and disposition.</p> - -<p>Thirdly. To invest him with new faculties, by which he may enter the -spiritual world, and hold communion with kindred spirits, who inhabit -the regions of the air.</p> - -<p>Fourthly. To give him power over the bodies and minds of others, that -he may torment and perplex them, and then free them from disquietude -and pain, on condition that they will come over to his service.</p> - -<p>Finally. To give him honors and rewards in his kingdom, proportioned to -the value of his services and the degree of his fidelity.</p> - -<p>The terms being agreed upon, the solemn assent of both parties is -given, and the bond is written in mystical characters, sealed with a -black seal, and the miserable man signs it with a pen dipped in his own -blood. After this, all fear of God, all dread of wrath, all sensibility -of conscience, and every disposition to good cease for ever, and no -renewing grace, no sanctifying influence can evermore visit that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> -heart, which is thus abandoned of its Maker, and separated to all evil -and misery for ever.</p> - -<p>Such, continued the preacher, is the nature, and these are the terms -of this dreadful confederacy. For its proof, we have only to refer to -the facts and confessions that are daily passing under our observation. -That Satan has come down upon us in great wrath, is no longer to be -denied; that God, for wise but inscrutable reasons, has permitted this -calamity to come upon the land, no one can doubt. These reasons in due -time will be unfolded, and meanwhile we may be assured that our sins as -a community have done much to provoke God, our rightful governor, to -leave us a prey to this 'roaring lion, who goeth about seeking whom he -may devour.'</p> - -<p>But if any one denies that the confessions and statements which have -been so often and solemnly made, are to be relied upon, we will refer -them to an unerring record, an infallible proof that Satan possesses -such power on earth. The plainest precepts of the Mosaic law recognized -such wicked agencies, and provided for them summary and dreadful -punishment. The first king of Israel worshipped at the altar of demons, -and at the instance of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> witch, the holy Samuel stood before him. -In the dim shadows of the invisible state, that venerable form, in -distinct and solemn features, was presented to his eye, and in the -strange and mystical tones of that unimagined state of being, denounced -the death and ruin of himself and his house. As we come down to later -times, we find in the days of our blessed Saviour, the presence and -power of evil spirits, and it was one of his offices of love to deliver -men from this cruel bondage; and in all succeeding times, we see -traces of the same dreadful agencies, until at length, upon this land, -consecrated to God, the visible footsteps of the destroyer are seen, -and every means of expulsion which the Scriptures warrant, must be -employed to drive him from our midst.</p> - -<p>Having thus stated the nature and proof of this confederacy, he -proceeded to point out the means by which the tempter might be resisted -and overcome. These, he said, were obviously watchfulness, fasting and -prayer. When a christian was faithful in these duties, there was little -danger of being overcome by temptation, and he detailed at length, the -times and seasons and the different points of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> character at which the -assaults of Satan would be most successfully directed, and the various -methods by which he might be repelled. He then showed that Satan -could not, and never intended to perform his part of the contract; -that so long as his subject was useful in his cause, he might defend -and protect him; but the moment his affinity with the master spirit -was detected and exposed, he seldom, or never interposed to save him -from punishment. He then closed his discourse by the most passionate -entreaties to his people, to guard against the wiles of the adversary; -to watch and pray lest they entered into temptation; to repent of -their sins, which had brought down the judgments of God on the land, -and to be fruitful in those works of faith and labors of love which -would prove the sincerity of their trust in God, and turn away from his -heritage these tokens of his anger.</p> - -<p>As Strale and his friends returned from church, the sermon was a -fruitful theme of conversation. 'I could almost forgive Mr. Mather for -his superstition,' said Walter, 'if it would hurt no one but himself.'</p> - -<p>'And why pardon it in him,' said Mary, 'when you condemn it so much in -others?' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Because,' returned Walter, 'I admire his genius: it is grand and -beautiful even in its illusions; he has the faculty of making rank -folly appear like luminous and well-supported truth.'</p> - -<p>'And it is the more criminal and dangerous for all this,' returned -Mary; 'he reminds me of a beautiful stream, which in the distance is -invested with a thousand charms. Its banks are arched with shades and -bordered with flowers. Every thing is inviting and lovely; but when -you approach, the rustling of the serpent among its bushes, and the -poisonous green on its margin, show you that Death has planted his -engines among that foliage, and hurls his arrows with destructive aim -upon the unsuspecting traveller.'</p> - -<p>'It is safe enough for me, Mary, to admire the beauty of that river, -provided I see its dangers and avoid them; but I am fully aware of the -justice of your views, and in the present state of public feeling, -such a sermon may do inexpressible harm. I cannot doubt Mr. Mather's -sincerity, but he ought to know better; he has the means of knowing -better and is deeply responsible for the mischievous effects of such -preaching. He has a wonderful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> faculty of making the worse appear the -better reason, and clothing his own hallucinations in the garb of -truth; but he will never be a safe man, and I dread his influence in -our political circles.'</p> - -<p>'We must deal with him in all charity,' said Mary; 'he aims to do good, -and I have a prevailing opinion of his piety, though I must confess, -the picture is shaded by many a sombre line.'</p> - -<p>The young friends soon reached home, and agreeably to the pious custom -of those days, each one retired to his chamber for meditation and -prayer. These duties were kept up till nearly sunset, when the family -assembled at the tea table, where no secular conversation was permitted -to intrude. The evening was usually occupied in religious conversation -or sacred music. On the present occasion, some appropriate selections -were made from the version of Sternhold and Hopkins, at that time used -by the Church of England, and the sweet voices of the young maidens -gave utterance to strains of melody which for culture and expression, -were seldom heard in the primitive days of New England.</p> - -<p>The later hours of the evening were spent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> in the garden. The moon -was riding with her starry train, in peerless beauty above them. -The fragrance of the apple blossoms filled the air, and the sweet -tranquillity of a Sabbath eve came down upon this lovely circle of -friends, as they contemplated that better land, whose vivid emblems -were shining above and around them.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER ELEVENTH.</h2> - -<p>The beautiful month of June was now spreading its green ornaments over -the face of New England. Never did the early summer unfold a more -luxuriant foliage, or cover the fields with a fresher beauty, than -that which now adorned the land. The forests and gardens were vocal -with the music of birds, the rose and violet came forth in unwonted -fragrance, and a cloud of incense went up from every valley and hill, -to the praise of their Creator and Lord. The world of nature was moving -on in perfect harmony and beauty. But the world of mind was in ruins, -its stately palaces had fallen, Reason was dethroned, and a dark -mass of chaotic elements moved over its surface in mingled confusion -and horror. Spirits of evil were riding on the blast, unnatural and -distorted shapes occupied every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> field of thought and reflection, and -Superstition held in her mighty grasp whatever element opposed her -power, and scowled in triumph and scorn over a perverted understanding -and a misguided conscience.</p> - -<p>On the 10th of June, 1692, the first victim of this mournful delusion -died at the scaffold and by the hands of the public executioner. Her -indictment stated, that she had made a covenant with Satan, and in -obedience thereto, was engaged in the practice of wicked arts, to -the great annoyance of godly persons. The nature of these practices -was described at length, and consisted in the infusion of wicked and -devilish thoughts into minds hitherto pure and uncorrupt, in the -infliction of sharp pains on the hands, the neck and the limbs of the -sufferer, in various temptations to assist the devil in his nefarious -designs upon the peace and order of society, and in promises of future -rewards if the party would consent to become a subject and servant of -Satan.</p> - -<p>A company of nervous and agitated witnesses supported the indictment, -by testifying to the power she exerted over their minds and bodies, -and the wild actings of their own fanaticism, and its physical -effects, were imputed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> by them to a mysterious energy derived by the -supposed witch from the master of apostate spirits. On such evidence -as this, she was condemned by the highest court in New England, and, -by a sentence most unjust and cruel, was consigned to an ignominious -death. As the multitude, who witnessed the execution, retired from -the dreadful spectacle, it was only to tremble for themselves and for -each other: even the pleadings of mercy and the voice of pity were -suppressed, and those who dared to intimate a belief in opposition to -the prevalent opinions, were the first to be suspected and arrested.</p> - -<p>On the evening of this day, two persons were seen on their way to the -house of Mr. Parris, the clergyman of Danvers, at that time called -'Salem village.' One of these was a young man of genteel appearance, -and the other a female, whose dress was that of a country maiden, but -whose sharp countenance and cunning, selfish aspect denoted that she -was intelligent beyond her apparent condition. The conversation was -earnest and vehement on both sides; and as they approached the house, -the slowness of their pace indicated that their plans, or purposes, -were not fully matured. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span></p> - -<p>'This business looks too serious to me,' said the female; 'I hardly -dare undertake it. Miss Graham must be innocent; and how can I be the -cause of her death?'</p> - -<p>'Did you not say,' said Trellison, 'that she had been the cause of -constant torment and vexation, that she controlled your movements, and -by a look suspended your purposes; that in her presence, you would weep -or smile, without any cause whatever? Moreover, did you not see her at -that cursed sacrament of devils, where every vow is sealed by blood, -and where she solemnly ratified the hellish compact? What are all these -but proofs of her damnable affinity with Satan? You cannot go back. The -Lord requires your service, and it must be done.'</p> - -<p>'But, Mr. Trellison,' replied the female, 'if I take this course, what -will become of me? I shall be shunned by the good; and if Miss Graham -is acquitted, where shall I find recompense and security?'</p> - -<p>'Have I not told you of recompense? Is it nothing to free the world -from the possessed of Satan? Is it nothing to foil the great adversary -of soul and body? Is it nothing to free yourself from these annoyances? -Is it nothing, Clarissa, to save your own life?' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p> - -<p>'My own life—what is that worth, Mr. Trellison, if the mind is loaded -with conscious guilt? Even now, I start at every shadow, and imagine a -foe in every one I meet. And what is the amount of this victory over -Satan, as you call it? Why it seems to me, such a victory would be -my ruin. But I have started in the race, and fate seems to press me -onward. I may be doing God service. Will you, Mr. Trellison, pledge -yourself that my reward shall be reasonable and sure?'</p> - -<p>'I have pledged my word, and the assurances of all the faithful are -yours, that whatever injury any one suffers in this righteous cause, -shall be fully recompensed. You shall be rewarded.'</p> - -<p>They now separated as they approached the house, and Clarissa, who -had been fully instructed in the part she was to act, entered the -kitchen, and took her place with the servant, with whom she had long -been acquainted. Trellison, as he entered the parlor, saw Mr. Parris, -through an open door, seated in his library alone. They had long been -familiar acquaintances, and though the clergyman was many years his -senior, yet he was fully aware of the reputation of his friend for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> -piety, and had known him personally since his first entrance at Harvard -College. After some desultory conversation, the mournful events of the -day were called up, and Mr. Parris remarked, that he looked back upon -its scenes with extreme agitation and horror. 'Surely, Mr. Trellison,' -said he, 'it was a dreadful sacrifice. But how could it be avoided?'</p> - -<p>'It was a sacrifice well pleasing to the Lord,' said Trellison. 'Why -start, Mr. Parris, at the sternness of the divine command? Must our -pity overcome our sense of obligation?'</p> - -<p>'No indeed,' said Mr. Parris; 'and here is the bitterness of the trial. -He that putteth his hand to the plough, is forbidden to look back: but -how can I behold such misery without a tear of pity?'</p> - -<p>'When Abraham was commanded to slay his son,' said Trellison, 'he -laid him on the altar and took the knife in his hand. Was there any -misgiving? Doubtless pity moved his heart; but his hand was true to the -divine mandate, and he only forbore at the express command of God.'</p> - -<p>'But are we equally sure, that God commands us to this work of -violence? Might we not by prayer disarm the Tempter, and drive him from -our midst?' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> - -<p>'Faith without works is dead; and how can we expect the blessing of -God, but in the use of means? Shall Satan rage in our land, and the -servant of God remain idle at his post? Every thing depends on the -energy and zeal with which this arch-apostate is hunted and driven from -his hiding places; and those, who harbor him and practice his wicked -devices, must perish without mercy.'</p> - -<p>'True, most true, Mr. Trellison: forgive the momentary, the sinful -pity, which would, if indulged, unnerve my hand, and draw me back from -the service of God. I would not shrink from my duty; but I am startled -and confounded at the numbers who have engaged in this cursed league -with Satan. They must be punished. You are aware, that a society has -recently been formed for the discovery and punishment of witches. This -scroll was brought to me to-day by a member, and all the persons on -this list will be watched, and probably most of them arrested. If you -know of other cases, where the charges can be supported by competent -evidence, it will be my duty to present them to the society.'</p> - -<p>Trellison took the list, which contained the names of seven or eight -persons. Most of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> these had long been suspected; but the last name on -the scroll was that of one, whose blameless life and holy profession -had hitherto given him a high rank in the community. It was the Rev. -George Burroughs, a minister of the gospel, of the same religious faith -as that of Mather, Parris and their associates, and perfectly exemplary -in his deportment and conversation.</p> - -<p>'And has it come to this?' said Trellison. 'Oh, the power of these -hellish arts, that have profaned even the house of God, and turned the -servant of Christ to a minister of Satan! But I can hardly credit what -you say. Is the proof convincing?'</p> - -<p>'Perfectly so,' said Mr. Parris. 'He was Satan's minister at that -dreadful sacrament, in which most of those now in prison bound -themselves to his service by their own signature, under the bloody -seal. Moreover, he has the promise of being a prince in Satan's -kingdom; and he took one of those faithful maidens, who have put their -lives in jeopardy for the service of God, and carried her to a high -mountain, where, after the fashion of his master, he showed her the -glory of the world,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> and promised to give her all, if she would but -sign her name. But she wisely told him, those things were not his to -give, and refused to sign. Such is the evidence against Mr. Burroughs. -There is no alternative; we have canvassed the whole matter, and he -must die.'</p> - -<p>'So perish all the enemies of the Lord!' said Trellison. 'And now, Mr. -Parris, there is yet one name to be added to that gloomy catalogue. -Until now, I have not been nerved with strength to go forward in this -divine work, and while my heart rebels at every step and my whole frame -is convulsed with agony, I pronounce the name of Mary Graham.'</p> - -<p>Mr. Parris started from his seat. 'Such a name, and from you, Mr. -Trellison?'</p> - -<p>'Tremble not, my friend, nor wonder at what seems so strange. I have -had such revelations from the Lord, such experience of her dreadful -compact with the Prince of darkness, and such proofs from others who -know her well, that, upon the peril of my soul, I dare not disobey a -voice louder than seven thunders to my ears. Miss Graham is bound over -to Satan!'</p> - -<p>'I cannot credit your assertions, Mr. Trellison: Miss Graham is above -all suspicion. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> such a mind is affected by this dreadful influence, -who of us shall escape?'</p> - -<p>'Nevertheless you must,' said Trellison. 'I was once held in bondage -by her magic arts: but, thanks to God, my soul is now at liberty; -escaped, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler. But others are still -entangled in her yoke of bondage, and they must be liberated. Some of -our students have fallen under her power, and under this roof is one -who is daily persecuted by her devices. Clarissa Snow, the faithful -servant of Mr. Ellerson, is now here, and will tell you in person what -she has suffered.'</p> - -<p>'Oh, righteous God!' said Mr. Parris, 'spare me this heavy blow! let -not thy wrath wax hot against thy servant; and if this work of judgment -must proceed, consign it, I beseech thee, to other hands, and let no -more blood be found in my skirts!'</p> - -<p>'What means this language?' said Trellison. 'Has not God vouchsafed -to you his peculiar presence and blessing? has he not revealed to you -these mysteries of iniquity, and made you the honored instrument of -bringing to light the hidden things of darkness? will you pause in the -work to which he calls you? </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> - -<p>'I cannot pause,' replied Mr. Parris; 'but I know not how to proceed. -Once more, I appeal to Heaven for the rectitude of my purposes; and if -I am the chosen instrument to sweep the chaff from his threshing floor, -I can only say—Oh God, thy will be done! let me not turn back from -this work; let me not blench in this terrible conflict with the powers -of darkness; let me not turn my hand from the shedding of blood, till a -voice from the excellent Glory tells me to forbear!'</p> - -<p>'And now,' he added, 'your testimony shall be examined, and if it be -such as the revelations of God to my own soul shall approve, Miss -Graham, whatever may be the consequences, must be arrested.'</p> - -<p>In a few moments, Clarissa was introduced, and to the several questions -that were asked, she replied in such a manner as confirmed the -statements of Trellison. She complained of various torments in the -presence of Miss Graham, which torments ceased when she was absent. -She also complained of dark purposes and evil thoughts, which always -vanished when Miss Graham was out of sight.</p> - -<p>It is not necessary to repeat more, for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> credulous clergyman was -easily convinced; and moreover, these results accorded with those -inward revelations which to him were conclusive evidence of her guilt; -and he now, though with a trembling hand, added her name to the list of -victims.</p> - -<p>This was but the first step in the dark machinations of Trellison. -He knew the ground he occupied was treacherous: but confiding in the -strength of the public delusion, and perhaps believing, in part, he -was doing God service, he was emboldened to proceed and carry on his -designs of blood. In the picture, which the conversation we have -related gives of his character, the lines are deepened to an uncommon -shade of guilt. But in the midst of the revenge he sought, there were -feelings of gloomy fanaticism, which probably concealed from his own -view the enormity of his purposes, and even clothed them with a false -lustre. He was a believer in these compacts with Satan; and the very -unaccountable testimony of credible witnesses had led him to look upon -those who practiced witchcraft, as persons who must be cut off, and the -land be purged, in this way, from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> demons who had broken loose upon -it. Yet in the midst of all, there must have been moments, when the -accuser Conscience broke in upon his refuge of lies, and upbraided him -with a purpose, which came nearer to the acts of Satan, than any which -visible evidence had yet developed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER TWELFTH.</h2> - -<p>Soon after the return of Lyford from Hadley, Strale having no longer -any special occasion for Pompey's services, determined to give him his -liberty, in advance of the time specified by his father. He accordingly -informed Pompey that he now wished him to enjoy the luxury he had -so long desired, that of being his own master. Walter furnished him -with a small sum of money, and Mr. Gardner assured him he should have -employment about the wharf at reasonable wages. Pompey was in raptures -in the possession of his newly acquired liberty, and for many days his -enjoyment was unbounded. But he had no notion of being employed as a -laborer; and having procured a fashionable hat, with silk stockings -and a coat well covered with gilded buttons, and silver buckles on his -shoes, Pompey strutted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> up and down King street for a month or more, to -the great amusement of the shop keepers, and with such vast opinions of -his own consequence, as no amount of ridicule could possibly diminish. -But the golden dream could not last always; it was not broken, however, -till the last penny of his cash had disappeared, when he awoke to the -consciousness that he had played the fool, and that his pretensions -to the character of a gentleman of leisure must be abandoned. In this -condition, he had recourse to Strale as his only friend, and begged him -to find employment for him on a farm, at a distance from town, where -he was willing to go back to his old habits of labor and care. Walter -had taken no pains to arrest him in his course of folly, believing that -experience was the only cure for his extravagant dreams; but he was -very willing to assist him in any way, that might promote his good, and -accordingly procured for him a situation on a farm in Danvers, occupied -by Mr. Putnam, a highly respectable man, who promised to watch the -motions and check the follies of Pompey, as much as might be in his -power.</p> - -<p>It was a new and not very agreeable scene to Pompey. He had no chance -for the display<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> of authority; but was ordered to mind his own -business, whenever he presumed to step out of his sphere. This life of -discipline was too severe to be endured, and he gradually became remiss -in his labors, until at length, it required the constant exercise -of authority to induce him to labor at all. In this condition, he -contrived various methods of escape from a post that was every way -disagreeable; but he well knew, that if he left Mr. Putnam without -good reason, he had nothing further to expect from Walter. Happily for -him, as he thought, the witch delusion was now advancing with a power -which nothing could resist; he saw the influence and importance which -had been gained by the impostors who pretended to be afflicted; and -there seemed no way so likely to mend his fortunes as to be afflicted -himself, and then turn informer.</p> - -<p>With a view to carry out this policy, Pompey went to Mr. Parris and -entered a complaint against his master. He declared, that Mr. Putnam -tormented him night and day, and that strange things were going on at -the farm; that one morning a field of grass was cut without hands, -and the hay was put into the barn, perfectly dry in one hour after -cutting;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> and that only the day before, as he was at work loading -hay, Mr. Putnam stood at a long distance from him, with a hayfork in -his hand, and that, in a mysterious manner, the fork entered his arm, -inflicting a severe wound, the effects of which were now visible. These -wonderful events excited the astonishment of the clergyman, who sent -for the farmer, and requested his attendance on the afternoon of the -next day.</p> - -<p>A few minutes after Trellison's departure, the farmer entered the room, -and found his minister in a reclining posture, and apparently absorbed -in deep meditation. 'I have come,' said he, 'Mr. Parris, in obedience -to your summons, and wish to know your pleasure.'</p> - -<p>'Satan is among my flock, Mr. Putnam, and as the good shepherd careth -for his sheep, I have feared you may be entangled in his wiles.'</p> - -<p>'In my belief, and I am sorry to say it,' said the farmer, 'Satan has -more to do with the minister than among the people.'</p> - -<p>'Dare you speak thus to the Lord's ambassador, his commissioned and -anointed servant, whom he has clothed with the helmet of <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>salvation, -and the shield of faith, that he may quench the fiery darts of the -devil?'</p> - -<p>'You claim a high character, Mr. Parris; but I have heard of wolves in -sheeps' clothing, and the course you are pursuing, leaves me in little -doubt whose servant you are.'</p> - -<p>'What other language than this is to be expected from those who have -signed the black book, and eaten the sacrament of devils. You have sold -yourself to the service of Satan, and these are the cursed fruits of -your compact; it was to question you on this point, that I sent for you -to-day, and you owe it to my forbearance, that your name is not now on -the scroll of the accused. I wished to know whether the evidence of -your servant Pompey could be relied on. Your own language now convinces -me of its truth, and you will soon reap the wages of your iniquity.'</p> - -<p>'I well know,' replied Mr. Putnam, 'how little evidence it takes to -satisfy you, when you are resolved to carry out your purposes. Your own -inward convictions, you say, support the evidence of my servant. It -will, however, be well for you to inquire, how far his testimony may be -trusted. I have brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> him with me, that you may question him in my -presence.'</p> - -<p>'It is a grace you do not deserve, but to show you my forbearance and -lenity, I will admit and question him now. You shall not be condemned -without a hearing.'</p> - -<p>This concession from Mr. Parris was sudden and unexpected; but he knew -the sturdy character of Putnam, his excellent reputation, and the -danger of pushing matters to extremity. He was therefore glad of the -opportunity to come down from the high ground he had taken, and to -assume the appearance of fairness and liberality.</p> - -<p>Pompey was now introduced, and the poor African was in no very enviable -position, between the two inquisitors; but he made the best of his -circumstances, and sat down quietly to undergo the examination.</p> - -<p>'You seem to be in a calmer state to-day, Pompey,' said the clergyman; -'I hope the cause of your trouble is removed.'</p> - -<p>'Witch gone, Massa Parris, all gone; Pompey well as ever.'</p> - -<p>'Thanks be to God!' said the clergyman; 'he has heard my prayer. I -wrestled with him a full hour on your account, and he gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> me faith to -believe that the devil would be cast out.'</p> - -<p>'Massa Putnam got the witch out; he did it all himself—nobody helped -him.'</p> - -<p>'What do you mean, Pompey? I do not understand you.'</p> - -<p>'I must now explain,' said Putnam, 'and am willing to apologize for -the language I used when I came in, so far as to express my belief -that you are under a strong delusion, and I do not wish to impute to -you corrupt and wicked motives. You have been a good minister, and a -kind man in past years, and you well know that in the contest for your -parish rights, I have taken your side and supported your claims; but -in these witch prosecutions, I have been astonished at the madness of -your course, and can only account for it on the ground that you are -partially insane; and now in regard to the change in Pompey, I will -tell you all the facts. I went out this morning to oversee some men -whom I had employed to dig a well. Pompey was there, dancing about in -strange attitudes, and presently he threw himself on the ground and -began to bite the roots of a tree, and fill his mouth with gravel. I -asked him the cause of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> his strange conduct, and his only reply was, -'Witch, Massa, witch got into Pompey.'</p> - -<p>'Who put the witch in, Pompey?' was my next question.</p> - -<p>'You, Massa; all well, when you go away.'</p> - -<p>'Well, Pompey,' said I, 'if I made you sick, I ought to cure you. The -same person who put the witch in, ought to drive the witch out; and -taking him to a tree, I gave him, at least, forty stripes, every one -of which seemed to possess a magic power. The witches fled in every -direction, and I have brought him to you to-day, clothed, and in his -right mind. Now, Mr. Parris, I would not detract from the efficacy -of your prayers; you know my reverence for religion; but in my poor -opinion, if you would take those four wicked girls, (one of whom, I -grieve to say it, is my niece, and bears the honest name of Putnam,) -and apply the same remedy which has done so much for Pompey, no sign of -witchcraft would be seen, and the community would be restored to reason -and common sense.'</p> - -<p>So saying, the farmer took his departure with Pompey, leaving the -minister to his own reflection, and to the deep mortification and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> -shame, in which his own credulity and folly had involved him.</p> - -<p>The position of Mary Graham was now critical and alarming. Since her -return to Salem, she had boldly condemned the witch proceedings, and in -every circle where she moved, her whole influence was directed against -the prevailing delusion. Unappalled by the dangers that surrounded her, -she extended her sympathy and pity to those who were in prison, and -favored the escape of some who were in imminent danger of arrest. In -these offices of love and charity she was nearly alone; for though her -friends admired her courage and fortitude in the cause of humanity, yet -few of them dared to imitate her example. She wrote to Walter and her -brother, begging them in concert with Mr. Willard to see Dr. Mather, -who had returned from England, and enlist his influence to suspend -all further prosecutions. But this good man, though he deplored the -excesses into which the community was rushing, either believed the -evil would soon be cured, or was so far influenced by his son, that he -could not be induced to take a bold stand against the courts; yet it is -believed he used much private remonstrance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> and expostulation, and it -was generally supposed the public movements had none of his countenance -and support.</p> - -<p>Walter replied to Mary's letter, and informed her that no measure had -been left untried with Sir William Phipps and his advisers; but nothing -could be done; the delusion had seized the minds of the most gifted men -in the land, and it was vain to hope for relief until the public malady -had run its course; and he expressed his fears that her own standing -in society, and the general esteem in which she was held, might not -prove a sufficient protection against the envy and malice of some, and -the credulity and superstition of others. He expressed his admiration -of the course she had taken, but in the present violent stage of the -delusion he thought it would be best for her to retire from active -participation in any remedies which might be applied, as they could -not benefit others, and might be attended by the worst consequences to -herself.</p> - -<p>Stoughton's court was now in full operation. His associates were -Gedney, Winthrop and Sewall. This court was confessedly illegal, but -the urgency of the occasion was considered a sufficient warrant for its -organization.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> It was, in fact, an exparte tribunal, as all the judges -were known to favor the superstition, and the only hope for those who -were brought before it was in the jury, who were so perplexed and -overawed, as in general to conform their verdicts to the known opinions -of the court.</p> - -<p>While affairs remained in this state, there was little prospect of -relief from courts and judges. No other hope remained than that the -delusion would soon show itself in forms so extravagant and revolting -as to excite the contempt and rouse the indignation of the public. -This conviction soon reached the mind of Miss Graham, and she forbore -to remark upon the subject with her accustomed freedom. In fact it was -no longer safe to ridicule or condemn; and with all her popularity -and the universal esteem in which she had been held, it was evident -she was now regarded with distrust and suspicion. Mr. Ellerson, whose -views in general agreed with those of Mary, was extremely guarded and -cautious, and often suggested to her his fear that she spoke with too -little reserve. In fact, she was soon painfully convinced on this -point: many of those whom she loved, began to withdraw from her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> -society, and in various methods discovered their coolness and reserve. -She was no longer welcomed with the smile of confidence and affection, -and her evening walks, in which she was usually attended by several -young ladies and gentlemen, were either wholly omitted or kept up in -solitude. This change of the public feeling towards Mary was equally -sudden and startling. She was unable to perceive the causes, or trace -the insidious agents, who were fastening their toils around her. -Neither explanation nor satisfaction could be had, and the mysterious -reserve still gathered and increased, wherever she went. Some of her -friends, particularly the Higginsons, confessed they dared not be seen -in her society, while they privately assured her that their friendship -was unabated, and begged she would still regard them with confidence -and love.</p> - -<p>There was a beautiful walk on the ground now occupied by the Salem -Common and the buildings on its left, in the direction towards Beverly. -This was a favorite resort for Mary, a place where she indulged in -many a happy contemplation on the works of nature, and the wonders -of Providence: here too, in the sweet interchange of sympathy and -affection with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> her young companions, she found sources of innocent and -unalloyed satisfaction, and sometimes when alone, as she penetrated the -depths of the forest and sat down on the green border of the rivulet, -or under the shade of the magnificent elm, she realized what the poet -many years after sung, in numbers that will never cease to move the -contemplative and pious mind:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'The calm retreat, the silent shade</div> -<div class="i1">With prayer and praise agree;</div> -<div>And seem by thy sweet bounty made,</div> -<div class="i1">For those who follow thee.'</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>Though forsaken in great measure by her friends, Mary continued her -visits to this chosen retreat, and there, in pensive recollection of -other days, and a humble trust in Providence, she found solace and -support for her disturbed and anxious mind. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson, -conscious of her innocence, did every thing in their power to soothe -her feelings and sustain her sinking courage, but her sensitive mind -drooped under the cold neglects of the world, and she even imagined -that Walter's letters, though written in all the warmth of affection, -began to show symptoms of coldness. Mr. Ellerson thought it his duty -to <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>inform Lyford of the state of things, and request his immediate -attendance at Salem: this was accordingly done without her knowledge, -and on the evening of the twenty-sixth of June, she found herself in -the arms of her affectionate and sympathizing brother.</p> - -<p>Lyford was soon convinced that some deep laid plan had involved Mary in -the suspicion and distrust of the community; but while he trembled at -the dangers which surrounded her, his first object was to soothe her -feelings, by the kindest offices which affection could suggest, while -he constantly revolved in his mind the most probable methods for her -deliverance. He wrote immediately to Strale, concealing none of the -difficulties and dangers of the case, but requesting he would not now -visit Salem, as he feared it might increase the danger, and excite a -greater watchfulness against any means that might be devised for her -escape.</p> - -<p>The next evening, Lyford and his sister walked together and visited -the place which was so much endeared to her, by its many delightful -associations. It was a fitting occasion to reveal all her griefs, and -Lyford no longer wondered at the unbroken sadness of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span> her feelings. She -informed him, that as she walked on the borders of a little stream in -the forest, she had several times heard voices, pronouncing her real -name, and sometimes accompanied by a soft strain of music, inviting -her to new habitations among the immortals, and making promises of -every kind of enjoyment, if she would but consent to join a company -of spirits now on a visit to earth, and offering her distinctions and -honors in a new kingdom, which was about to be established in the -world. In conclusion, she had no doubt a conspiracy had been formed -against her reputation and life, and she believed Trellison had set in -motion these unseen agencies, which she feared would soon betray her to -prison and death.</p> - -<p>'And now, dear brother,' said she, 'what can I do? friends have -deserted me on every side; wherever I turn, I meet no response to the -most common offices of friendship and good will. When the Sabbath -comes, that day of holy rest, whose heavenly influences have fallen so -peacefully on my heart, it brings no relief to my troubled spirit: in -the very temple of God, I see nothing but averted faces or disturbed -looks, and I go and come more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> lonely and neglected than even the -sparrow, who finds a nest for herself among the altars of God.'</p> - -<p>'I know not what it means,' said James; 'I am sure, Mary, it is not -safe for you to remain here, and yet to attempt flight would probably -be followed by instant pursuit, and go to confirm the suspicions that -already exist. I shall not leave you, but we will consult together, and -our earnest prayers must go up to Heaven for light and deliverance.'</p> - -<p>'I have thought, James,' said Mary, 'that it is no longer of any use -to conceal my name. The purpose intended by this concealment has been -answered; and though it may prejudice my cause still more with the -authorities at Boston, yet, in my present circumstances, I wish there -may be no ambiguity or deception in any part of my conduct: besides, -it is already known to some extent, for it has been repeated in yonder -woods in my hearing.'</p> - -<p>'You are right, Mary,' replied her brother. 'I believe more good than -evil will result from the disclosure: I will get Mr. Ellerson to -mention the facts to a few of his friends, and they will soon become -generally known; but dear Mary, do not sink under this load of sorrow;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> -Walter and myself will love you even unto death. It is a dark day, but -light may arise, and I feel assured that your deliverance will in some -way be effected.'</p> - -<p>'Ah! my brother,' said Mary, 'I would that such a hope could send -its reviving influence to my heart, but I have the most gloomy -anticipations and painful forebodings of the result. As I was walking, -a few evenings since, by the side of this beautiful stream, I was -enabled to cast my eye forward to the land of perfect and eternal -repose; the lovely images of nature reflected to my mind the glories of -the heavenly world, and I longed to put on the garments of immortality -and walk among those pleasant landscapes, where the storms of trouble -never blow. But the strife will soon be over, and 'mortality will then -be swallowed up of life.''</p> - -<p>'Why speak so mournfully, dear Mary? This world is not yet a desert, -which no flower of hope nor green beauty of summer can adorn. Winter -may come with its frost, but spring will return and bring freshness, -blossoms and life in its train. There is a bright side to the picture; -do not refuse to behold it.'</p> - -<p>'Hush,' said Mary, 'hear you not the voices<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> in yonder forest?' James -paused, but no sound reached his ear. The wind sighed mournfully along, -as if in sympathy with the sadness which had fastened deeply on the -minds of brother and sister, as, arm in arm, they walked on the borders -of the forest.</p> - -<p>'Listen again,' said Mary; 'surely you must hear them, James.'</p> - -<p>A low strain of music, like a faint chorus of voices, now fell upon his -ear; in a moment it swelled to a distinct sound and sent its notes of -melody among the valleys and rocks. A few words only of the first and -second verses were distinguished, but every sound became more clear and -impressive, until the following lines were distinctly understood:</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div>'On the bright and balmy air,</div> -<div class="i1">On the summer clouds we ride,</div> -<div>From our golden realms we bear</div> -<div class="i1">Jewels for our master's bride.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Mary, in the bowers above,</div> -<div class="i1">Sweetest groves of fairy land,</div> -<div>We will crown thee Queen of Love,</div> -<div class="i1">Princess of the fairy band.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div>'Where the living palm-trees grow,</div> -<div class="i1">Where the crystal waters glide;</div> -<div>Realms untouched by want or wo,</div> -<div class="i1">Thou shalt be our master's bride.</div> -</div><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>'Far below the sunny waves,</div> -<div class="i1">We have gems and jewels rare,</div> -<div>Pearly grots and coral caves,</div> -<div class="i1">Thou shalt be our mistress there.'</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>At this stage of the music the words became inaudible, until the sound -died away in the forest, and the quiet stillness of the evening again -rested on the landscape.</p> - -<p>'These are strange things, Mary,' said her brother, 'but they are -only a part of the snares which are intended to betray you. Time will -soon disclose all; meanwhile, have courage, my dear sister; in your -conscious rectitude you will find consolation and support; in God there -is abundant strength, and what man can do shall be faithfully done. -Have no distrust of Walter; his love to you is all you can desire; he -would be here to-day but for my cautions and warnings. As the danger -thickens around you, we will watch and protect you at every step; but -let us not trust in ourselves; it is not to be denied that your danger -is great, and I am now of opinion that immediate flight is necessary: -we will consult our friends to-night, and what we do must be done -quickly.'</p> - -<p>They soon returned home; it was too late<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> for any hope of flight, and -that very evening, Mary Lyford, by a warrant from the magistrate, -was placed in the custody of the sheriff, to await her trial for the -practice of witchcraft and sorceries.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.</h2> - -<p>The news of Miss Lyford's arrest, and the disclosure of her real -name, produced a deep sensation in the community. The victims of this -delusion had been hitherto taken from the lower walks of life, and this -first attack upon the high places of society, while it shocked the -feelings of many, served to reconcile the populace to the action of the -courts, as it indicated that no influence of wealth or standing would -be allowed to protect the guilty from punishment. Such was the state of -the public mind, that except among Mary's immediate friends, no effort -was made, or contemplated, for her deliverance. The sin of witchcraft -was of too deep a dye to be forgiven; and the common doctrine was, -that religion itself must turn away from such deadly foes to God and -man. When the warrant was served, she was <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>immediately removed from -her friends, and placed in the care of an officer, who was directed to -furnish an upper room in his house for her reception, and to guard her -with ceaseless vigilance. There was little occasion for this warning, -for the officer, whose name was Harris, would have thought himself -bound over to perdition, had he suffered any prisoner in charge for a -crime so enormous, to escape. All access to Miss Lyford was forbidden, -except to her brother and Mr. and Mrs. Ellerson, who, assured of -her innocence, did not scruple to express to the officer the utmost -indignation and horror, at the violence thus done to one of their own -family.</p> - -<p>It was scarcely possible to realize the change which the period of -a single month had produced. The whole affair of Mary's arrest and -confinement seemed so like a dream, that they could hardly persuade -themselves of its reality. But in a short time they saw the full extent -of her danger, and had little doubt her death would be demanded by the -populace, and that the court, whatever might be its wishes, would not -dare to refuse the victim. The kind of evidence which was then current -and considered valid, was so completely interwoven with every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> feature -of her case, that her guilt, in the public view, was already proved. -In these circumstances, Mr. Ellerson and his lady forbore to excite -the populace, by public denunciation; but in their own circle of high -respectability and influence, they were loud in their demands for her -release, and insisted that some sinister motive had betrayed her into -the toils of the accuser.</p> - -<p>Lyford had accompanied his sister to the jailer's room, where he -provided every convenience which the rough and superstitious keeper -would allow. For several days before her arrest, Mary had been prepared -for the worst; and she calmly resigned herself into the hands of the -law, to await an issue, which she from the first apprehended would be -fatal. There was no visible emotion in her countenance, but a deep -melancholy had fallen upon those lovely features, which in their mild -and beautiful, yet pensive and solemn aspect, would have excited in any -heart, not steeled by fanaticism, the liveliest interest and sympathy. -No ray of light could penetrate the cloud that shaded her earthly -hopes, and her spirit was now struggling to free itself from worldly -ties, and to move in a calmer region, beyond this stormy and distracted world. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next day after Mary's arrest, Lyford returned to Boston, to -communicate the tidings to Walter, and prevent any rash or violent -measure, to which his vehement temper might prompt him. No language -can describe his feelings, when the facts were disclosed by Lyford; -but the strong excitement of his mind was soon subdued by the calm -remonstrances of his friend, who assured him that every thing depended -on coolness and deliberation. Walter immediately laid upon himself the -most severe restraints, and while he vowed to effect her deliverance, -or perish in the attempt, he soon became so entirely the master of his -own feelings, that no perceptible change was visible in his deportment. -His first impulse was to proceed directly to Salem; but Lyford -convinced him that such a step would be worse than useless, as he would -not be permitted to see Mary, and it might throw serious obstacles in -the way of her escape. It was therefore concluded he should remain at -home, and that no interview with Mary should be attempted, but through -the medium of her brother.</p> - -<p>The trial of Miss Lyford took place about the middle of July. Several -witnesses were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> examined, whose testimony was considered conclusive of -her guilt. Clarissa, Mr. Ellerson's servant, testified to the strange -influence she exerted over her, and even in court took care to exhibit -one of those remarkable fits of agitation and nervous excitement, -which were universally satisfactory to the judges. Another witness -declared she had seen Miss Lyford walking alone in the neighborhood of -the forest, and that mysterious voices were heard in the woods, and -unearthly music, and she remembered and repeated some lines, which -intimated that she had consented to become one of a band of spirits, on -account of which, she was soon to be crowned queen of a new kingdom, -and to receive an untold amount of riches. Other testimony of a similar -character was produced, but Trellison took care not to appear in the -case; he did not choose to involve himself in unnecessary difficulties, -and was probably aware that revenge for his known disappointment might -be assigned as a motive for his testimony, and thus defeat the great -object he had in view.</p> - -<p>Such was the nature and amount of the evidence, it was scarcely -possible to expect an acquittal. The examination was indeed <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>prolonged, -beyond the usual time, perhaps with a view to give some notion of the -lenity of the court; but when the case was given to the jury, they -scarcely hesitated, and when the verdict was demanded, it was with a -bolder voice than usual, that the foreman pronounced the fatal word, -"Guilty!" There was a deep solemnity and silence in the thronged court -room, though little sympathy was manifested for the unoffending and -beautiful maiden, whose fate was now so certain. The public frenzy had -sealed the fountains of compassion, and the judge soon after pronounced -sentence of death, to be executed on the twentieth of the following August.</p> - -<p>We have not yet spoken of the demeanor of Miss Lyford, during this -fearful period. Suffice it to say, it was calm and dignified, worthy -her illustrious descent, and adorned by every christian virtue. Her -confidence was not in man; and though her ties to life were of the -strongest character, she could contemplate death without dismay. The -shock attending the trial and sentence was indeed great, but the gospel -was present to her aid with its well-springs of consolation, its life -of immortality, and 'its exceeding weight' of future and <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>eternal -glory. Her eye of faith looked beyond the tempests of that awful night, -whose fearful horrors thickened over her, and beheld the rising day of celestial glory.</p> - -<p>The friends of Mary now sought from Gov. Phipps, through the kind -offices of his lady, the executive clemency: but the faint hope they -entertained of a pardon, soon died away in total despair. Sir William -absolutely refused to interpose, and his purpose was strengthened -by his knowledge of her name and descent, which were more odious to -him, if possible, than her imputed witchcraft. But when it came to -be announced that the young lady hitherto known as Miss Graham, was -a relative of the venerated Goffe, a feeling of sympathy and pity -was strongly and generally manifested; but its public exhibition was -soon hushed by a sense of personal danger; every one was too deeply -concerned for himself, to bestow much solicitude upon the fate of others.</p> - -<p>Other methods were now adopted, and high rewards were offered in -private, to bold and adventurous men, if they would procure her escape -from prison: but no one could be found of sufficient courage to make -the effort. Walter then attempted to bribe the jailer; but that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> -resolute officer would not be tampered with. He was too much concerned -for his own soul, he said, to suffer a witch to escape. He redoubled -his vigilance; other sentinels were also placed on guard, and no access -to Miss Lyford was permitted, except an occasional visit from James, -who now spent all his time at Salem; and even this boon was with great -difficulty obtained.</p> - -<p>On these occasions, James bore to his sister the most affecting -memorials of Walter's continued love, and assured her of his belief -that some way of escape would yet open, and that all his time and -thoughts were employed in devising plans for her deliverance. Mary, -however, placed little reliance on such deceitful grounds of hope, and -remitted nothing of her endeavors to prepare for the awful scene that -awaited her. It was indeed grateful to see such proofs of Walter's -affection, in the midst of all the obloquy which had clouded her name, -and made her the reproach and scorn of the community; but her ties -to earth were loosening, the glorious visions of the heavenly rest -absorbed her mind, and she looked beyond the troubled stream she must -soon cross, to a land of undecaying beauty and eternal repose. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span></p> - -<p>All the efforts of James and Walter were warmly seconded by the -Ellersons; and in their frequent conversations, every suggestion -that prudence could make, was carefully balanced and weighed. But it -was reserved for the fertile invention of Strale, to devise the only -expedient which seemed to offer the least chance of success; and though -this was confessedly romantic and extremely difficult to manage, it was -resolved to make the trial.</p> - -<p>Near the house of Mr. Harris, who had charge of Miss Lyford, there was -a small cottage, occupied by a poor but honest laborer, named William -Somers. This man was an ardent admirer of Gen. Goffe, and had once -seen and conversed with him at his retreat in Hadley. Moreover, he was -a sturdy Puritan, and in high reputation for honesty and piety: no -one ever questioned his integrity, and he was the last person to be -suspected of any plot against the peace of the community, Somers was -just the man for the present emergency; and as soon as Miss Lyford's -name was publicly disclosed, he went to Mr. Ellerson, and volunteered -his services in any proper measures for her release, assuring him he -might rely on his fidelity. There was little need of this <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>assurance, -for Somers was never known to break his word or slight his engagements. -The location of Somers' cottage was very favorable, and in fact -essential to the success of the plan, as no other house near that -of Harris could possibly be obtained. His offer of assistance was -therefore gratefully accepted, and he was at once admitted to the -councils of Mary's friends. The progress of our narrative will develope -the means that were employed, and the consequences that followed.</p> - -<p>The policy now to be adopted, required that Walter should no longer -keep up his relations to Miss Lyford, and that he should so far -acquiesce in the public feeling, as to offer no vindication, or even -suggest a wish in her behalf. It was no easy task to pursue this line -of conduct; but as it did not require a positive disavowal of his -engagement, he felt justified in assuming such a degree of indifference -to her fate, as might be necessary for the successful prosecution of -his designs.</p> - -<p>Among Mary's friends in Boston, there were very few who did not follow -the fashion of the world, in deserting the unfortunate, and leaving -them to struggle alone in their wretchedness, without sympathy or -consolation. Miss <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>Hallam, Mary's earliest and most intimate friend, -was one of the first to forsake her. In fact, this young lady was -never pleased with the attentions which were so liberally bestowed on -Miss Lyford, and it was more than suspected that her own attachment -to Strale, reconciled her to the impending fate of her friend. She -saw, with scarcely disguised pleasure, that Walter seemed to regard -Mary with little interest, and as he was now a frequent visiter at -her father's, she began to hope his affections were already enlisted -in her behalf. There were some, however, whose feelings and conduct -were far different. Among these, Miss Elliott was deeply affected -at the situation of her friend, and did not hesitate to condemn the -proceedings, as in the highest degree cruel and unjust. She made -repeated visits to Mr. Willard, in the hope that he might do something -in her behalf; and the benevolent clergyman employed all the power -he possessed in her favor. She made the same application to Cotton -Mather, but the stern fanaticism of this man was proof against all her -entreaties. He declared he had no malice, and nothing but kindness -towards Miss Lyford in his heart; but he solemnly believed in the -allegations against<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span> her, and that God and man required the sacrifice. -The proof he said was clear, and an exception in her favor would be -cruelty to the community and treachery to his divine Master. All he -could do was to pray, that notwithstanding her sorceries, she might, -if possible, be forgiven, and he would not refuse her the tribute of a -tear. Such were the feelings of this remarkable man, and such the power -of superstition over his vigorous but ill governed mind. He was not -naturally cruel, but in whatever devious course his perverted sense of -duty impelled him, no consideration of reason or humanity could bring -him back.</p> - -<p>Mean-while the days glided on, and the period was at hand when the -fatal sentence of the law was to be executed. The nineteenth of -August had been assigned for the death of Burroughs and three of his -associates, who had been condemned on the same grounds. One female -also had been selected, to complete the sacrifice. For these unhappy -individuals there was no hope of escape; the public voice had condemned -them, as well as the iniquitous court before which they were tried; -and they prepared, with christian resignation, for the doom which -could not be averted. Miss<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> Lyford's sentence had been assigned one -day later, as the case was deemed one of solemn and peculiar interest; -and moreover it was the policy of the court to impress the public -mind with the enormity of the crime of witchcraft, by repeating the -tragedy in its most awful and startling forms. The only hope that -remained for Mary, was in those secret movements of her friends, which, -in their complicated and delicate machinery, might be frustrated by -the severance of a single cord. Her brother had acquainted her with -the outlines of the plan, but she had little faith in a prospect -which seemed so visionary and hopeless. Neither had Lyford any great -confidence in its success, and every day had meditated some new -expedient to accomplish her deliverance—but it was all in vain. No -other hope appeared; and when the eighteenth of August had arrived, -Mary was still in the custody of Harris, and that vigilant officer and -his three assistants, were the sleepless sentinels at their post of -dishonor and shame.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER FOURTEENTH.</h2> - -<p>'Accursed be the hour that gave me birth! Why was I born for this? Oh, -thou insulted, yet forbearing God! if thine avenging justice pursues -me to the lowest perdition, it will not outrun my crimes. Why did I -hunt the innocent without cause, and heap on my soul such mountains of -guilt? Oh, hide me, earth! bury me in thy deepest graves, if they will -but shelter me from a raging conscience and a frowning God! How shall I -save the innocent blood? how shall my feet, which have run so swiftly -in the way of evil, turn back into the path of peace? These hands have -built that fatal scaffold, on which innocence and virtue must perish! -Oh, might I die in her stead! Oh, that my blood might expiate my guilt! -Vain hope! the weight of mountains, the fires of the second death -can neither crush<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> nor consume me. Mine is an undying death, mine an -unquenchable flame!'</p> - -<p>Such were the exclamations of the wretched Trellison, as he stood on -that fatal hill with the scaffold which, the day before, had been -erected under a tree, directly in his view. He was now fully awake to -a consciousness of his crimes: he had betrayed into the hands of the -law, one of the most innocent and virtuous of her sex, and was about to -witness the awful consummation of his guilt. He had opened the door, -but it was beyond his power to shut it. If he avowed the truth, his -single testimony could not avail against the host of witnesses which -his own arts had procured, and whose evidence, if now confronted by -his, would in self-defence be combined to involve himself as well as -Miss Lyford in ruin and death. In this condition, he thought of every -possible method to avert the impending fate of Miss Lyford; but every -avenue seemed to be closed; and after wandering up and down the hill -for several hours, in the utmost horror and distraction of mind, he -finally determined to follow her to the scaffold, and there avow his -guilt, and invoke every power within his reach, to save her from the -threatened doom. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p> - -<p>It is often a mournful duty to display the workings of an accusing -conscience. The picture may warn us to shun the incipient stages of -guilt, and turn back into the current of reason and reflection the wild -and turbulent elements of excited passion. Too often, alas! we plunge -into the very vortex of ruin, ere we are conscious that we have passed -the boundaries of virtue. Such is the influence of pride, self-love, -and self-esteem, that the first discovery of guilt and danger, often -comes too late to save us from the final plunge. This was preëminently -the case with Trellison: with hasty and violent feelings, unguarded -by reason, and driven by every wave of passion, he had mistaken his -own purposes of revenge for zeal in the cause of religion, and had -so blended his own selfish designs with an imagined regard for the -honor of his Maker, as to conceal from himself his actual guilt, until -its fatal effects stared him in the face, and revealed the depths of -iniquity in which he was ingulfed.</p> - -<p>When the next morning dawned, crowds of people were seen gathering -round the spot, where the dreadful sacrifice which public fanaticism -demanded, was to be made. Rev.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> George Burroughs and three other -individuals, named Willard, Proctor, and Jacobs, together with one -female, were taken from prison and conducted by the sheriff to the -place of execution. The scene was one of appalling interest; and -as the unhappy victims passed through the streets, loud murmurs of -disapprobation were heard from many individuals, who believed they -were mainly indebted for these tragical events to Boston interference, -and who were indignant that Salem should be the chosen theatre for the -display of these bloody scenes. The venerable Higginson, with several -of his most influential parishioners, utterly refused all part in these -proceedings, while his associate in the ministry, Mr. Noyes, fully -coöperated with Parris, Mather, and Stoughton, in all the length and -breadth of this fatal delusion. When the hour of execution drew near, -the public murmur became more loud and distinct, so much so as to -excite alarm lest the purposes of justice might be frustrated. But at -this moment Cotton Mather appeared on the ground, on horseback, and by -the circulation of new proofs of Satan's promises and covenants with -these unhappy persons, effectually silenced the voice of sympathy and -the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> din of opposition. As the dreadful scene proceeded, Burroughs was -seen kneeling on the scaffold in prayer, in which he solemnly appealed -to his Maker for his uprightness of heart and his entire innocence -of the crime for which he was called to die. He prayed fervently -for himself and his hapless associates, thus performing in his last -hours the kind offices of his sacred profession, and administering -consolation to his fellow sufferers. Neither did he forget those bitter -enemies who had brought him to this scene of horror; but earnestly -supplicated their forgiveness from God, as he himself heartily forgave -them.</p> - -<p>Thus perished the persecuted Burroughs and his unhappy companions. They -died as outcasts from God and man, their very names regarded with scorn -and horror, and their persons execrated as the vilest of the vile. Time -has lifted the veil; the storm of reproach has passed away; the shadows -of the invisible world, in which they were seen to move as dark and -mysterious forms enlisted in the service of Satan, and doing his will, -have given place to the sunshine of Reason and Truth. The white robes -of innocence and virtue now adorn them in the eye of every beholder, -and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> that foul stain stamps with its darkest hues, the memories of -Stoughton, Sewall, Gedney, and Cotton Mather.</p> - -<p>Let it not be supposed there were no redeeming traits in the characters -of these men. It was a superstitious age, and the delusions which -were now abroad, had fastened with immense power upon the community -at large; but this, though it may be urged in mitigation of their -offences, was no valid excuse. They had unerring and sufficient maps -in the experience of the past. They had the sure word of God. They had -reason and common sense, which, impartial and unperverted, might have -shown them the madness and cruelty of their course. These guides were -consulted too late; and we have it recorded of Judge Sewall, that he -deeply repented of his agency in these painful scenes, and publicly -deplored his errors in the presence of the members of the South Church, -presenting his own example as a warning to future magistrates to -avoid that fatal rock, on which justice and mercy had alike suffered -shipwreck.</p> - -<p>It is probable Stoughton and Mather carried this delusion in part -to their graves; and it is scarcely possible to contemplate these -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>characters with complacency. There is no monument along the track -of succeeding years, which redeems their memory from its deserved -reproach. Mather was learned and industrious beyond any man of that age -in New England; but he was credulous to the last degree; of a bold and -fiery temper, deeply tinctured with fanaticism, rash in his judgment, -severe in his rebukes, and overbearing in his conduct. A cloud rests -upon his memory, through which Charity herself can scarcely discern -the faint rays of real piety, which, notwithstanding all his errors, -probably existed in his heart. Stoughton was, if possible, still more -deeply implicated in these cruel proceedings, and the remark of an -eminent historian of Harvard College is undoubtedly just, that 'upon -no individual did the responsibility of the sad consummation of that -excitement rest more heavily, than upon William Stoughton.'</p> - -<p>The next day was to be signalized by the death of Miss Lyford. The -public feeling was now so far subdued, that there was little danger to -be apprehended from the populace. If the death of Burroughs had excited -so little commotion, it was concluded there would be no interruption -to any future proceedings of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> the like character. Moreover, there was -a general belief that few cases of witchcraft had been more clearly -defined, and the singular language which had been addressed to her from -the woods, and was heard by others, was considered entirely conclusive -in her case. There had been no attempt to trace the cause of this -strange proceeding, but it was at once attributed to mysterious and -spiritual agents; yet Lyford suspected what afterwards proved true, -that a female from Hadley, who knew his sister's history and was in -the confidence of her grandfather, had been employed by Trellison in -this work of deception; but he had no means of proving such a plot, and -any attempt to implicate Trellison, who was now in high favor with the -ruling powers, would probably recoil on himself, and lessen the chances -of his sister's escape.</p> - -<p>No access to Miss Lyford had been for some time permitted, except to -her brother, and even this indulgence was now prohibited. Trellison -found means, however, to convey to her a full confession of his guilt, -his determination to avow it publicly, and if possible to stay the -proceedings. He earnestly begged her forgiveness, and assured her -that he <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>wished to live no longer than to make a public vindication -of her character, and save her if possible from her impending doom. -This communication was not received till late in the evening, and it -being impossible to obtain the favor of a light, or to procure the -least office of kindness from her keepers, Mary was, of course, wholly -ignorant of its contents. Her mind, also, was so fully occupied with -the plans now in progress for her deliverance, that she was the less -anxious to know its purport, and placing the paper in her bosom, the -incident was nearly forgotten.</p> - -<p>Trellison was involved in difficulties which so distracted his mind, -that he was unable to devise any probable means, by which Miss Lyford's -fate could be averted. His confessions and retractions, if made, he -knew would only be regarded as new proof of her Satanic arts, and he -now thought it safer to make his appeal to the populace and enlist -their sympathies, than to attempt to stay a warrant which had been -already issued, and could only be revoked by the Governor. Still he -was unsettled in his plans, except that in the failure of all other -means, he resolved to vindicate her at the scaffold, though it might<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> -cost him his life. The truth was, his convictions and remorse had -arrived too late; and in the existing state of public feeling there -was no proper light, in which evidence could be fairly seen; or if -seen, its legitimate power could not at that time be felt. Strange as -it may seem, the reports circulated by Cotton Mather on the preceding -day had maddened the populace, and made them insatiate of blood. It -was now believed that the death of Miss Lyford was essential to the -public peace, and there was probably no moment in the progress of this -delusion, when it ran higher, or was more terrible in its control over -every generous feeling, than at this period.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, it was on the extravagance of this delusion that Miss -Lyford's friends relied for her deliverance. The very feeling which -Trellison feared would render his confessions unavailing, they were -willing to provoke as the best means of her salvation. Mr. and Mrs. -Ellerson no longer made any appeal in her behalf. Strale was in Boston, -apparently unconcerned and unaffected, while Lyford alone kept his post -near his sister, the only visible friend, from whom she could expect -countenance or support. </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p> - -<p>There is that in human calamity, which, unsoothed by the voice of -sympathy, and unrelieved by the kind offices of friendship, falls with -a withering and consuming power on the heart. When such calamity is -frequent and long continued, even the ties of kindred and affection -are often sundered, and the unhappy sufferer, though conscious of -rectitude, finds himself sinking in despondency, solitary and desolate, -and his only support is drawn from the hope of a better world. Such -emphatically was the condition of those who were proscribed for their -supposed sorceries. Cut off from the sympathies of their fellow men, -exposed to insult, violence, and death, and at last consigned to the -scaffold, they were spectacles of unrelieved sorrow and wretchedness, -of which the world can furnish few examples. But these unhappy victims -did not forget their obligations to their fellow men and to God. -They almost uniformly died in the spirit of forgiveness; and if, as -the scoffer and the infidel allege, there be no hereafter, no review -of character and responsibility, no discrimination between good and -bad beyond this fleeting world, no probationary life here, and no -retributory condition hereafter, then indeed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> is our faith vain, our -works of love and charity are vain, and an unbroken gloom rests on the -territories of the grave!</p> - -<p>But the infidel forgets that the same chance which placed him in this -world may not yet have exhausted its power. If it can move the world -in its orbit, regulate the seasons, and govern, by irrepealable law, -the motions of unnumbered suns and worlds, it may, for aught he can -tell, act upon his future being; it may redeem the vital principle from -the ashes of the tomb, and cast it among some new elements of life, -which may be perfectly adapted to the work of retribution. Let him then -beware of a theory which provides no security for his future happiness, -while it reserves the right to perpetuate his being for ever; let -him turn his eye to that even balance, in which his actions will be -weighed, and bring home to his heart the consolations which nothing but -the gospel, approved, accepted, and trusted, can supply.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER FIFTEENTH.</h2> - -<p>On the evening of the nineteenth of August, a little schooner, which -had occasionally stopped at the port of Salem, on trading voyages up -and down the coast, entered the harbor. She was called the 'Water -Witch,' a fore-and-aft vessel of beautiful model and fine proportions. -Whenever she was seen coming up the bay, crowds of people assembled -to witness her movements. She was always kept in the best condition, -and her nicely-trimmed sails, the perfect symmetry of her spars, her -graceful attitudes on the water, and above all, her rapid and varied -motions, procured for Captain Ringbolt, who commanded her, an enviable -and well-deserved reputation.</p> - -<p>When the Water Witch appeared, it was always expected the next day -would be one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> of extensive traffic, particularly among the country -maidens of the neighborhood. Captain Ringbolt always had a good supply -of laces, brocades, muslins, and all sorts of fashionable ornaments; -and his very showy assortment was generally disposed of to good -advantage. How he obtained his merchandise was sometimes a mystery; -but the Salem ladies were careful not to inquire too curiously into -the matter; they were quite willing Captain Ringbolt should have -his own way; and, as he was uniformly courteous and obliging, any -suspicions would certainly be inexpedient, and perhaps unjust. It was -rather wonderful, however, that so much charity was extended towards -this gentleman, considering the very strict morals of the Puritans, -and the rigid honesty with which they were accustomed to discharge -their pecuniary obligations. The gallant captain generally told a good -story, and, as our narrative all along supposes, there was no want of -credulity among the people.</p> - -<p>As the Water Witch dropped her anchor, Somers stood on the beach, -watching her motions with deep interest and evident anxiety; one of his -neighbors, named Bolton,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span> who was also one of Miss Lyford's guards, -having obtained leave of absence for an hour, was strolling near him, -and remarked the closeness of his survey. Somers, absorbed in his own -reflections, did not notice Bolton, till he touched him on the shoulder -and said: 'What now, Somers? you are looking sharp for Ringbolt; what -kind of traffic do you mean to drive with him?'</p> - -<p>'Is this you, Bolton?' said Somers, in some confusion; but in a moment -recovering himself, he added: 'These are perilous times, neighbor; the -witch proceedings have stopped all business, and I thought, as there -are not many fire-arms in town, if I could get all the pistols Ringbolt -has, it might be a little speculation.'</p> - -<p>'This Captain Ringbolt will soon grow rich,' said Bolton, 'if my -guesses are right; he was here only two weeks ago, and sold all his -cargo in two days. But he may come to a bad market now, unless he -waits for better times before he sells his goods; he is a shrewd man, -however, and sells things for a good price, when nobody else can sell -at all. I wish I knew where he gets his articles. Neighbor Somers, I -shall have nothing to do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> after the witches are hung; you know this -captain—I wish you would try to get me a berth on board for the next voyage.'</p> - -<p>'You are no more fit for a sailor, Bolton, than a monkey is to furl a -topsail. Captain Ringbolt would tumble you overboard before you got ten -leagues from land. You had better stay where you are, and find honester -business than any I ever knew you to be employed about.'</p> - -<p>'You are sharp this evening, Somers. You will one day be convinced that -the man who watches criminals is doing a great favor to the community. -But I cannot think what has brought Ringbolt back so soon; his vessel -is light; I think he must have intended to be here this morning, and -see how the devil hangs up his friends.'</p> - -<p>'They had better send to the devil for a sheriff. And you, Bolton, are -nearly right: a man must be more than half a devil, to be engaged in -such business.'</p> - -<p>'It is a truly godly business,' said Bolton, 'and I wonder at your -language, Somers; if these witches will serve their master, they must -take such wages as he gives them; and the wages of sin is death. The -sheriff <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>deserves the thanks of all pious persons for his courage and -zeal in the cause.'</p> - -<p>'I wonder they had not employed you in the business,' said Somers; 'you -talk like one who has no great compassion for a reputed witch, guilty -or not guilty.'</p> - -<p>'I am too sinful to be thus employed,' returned Bolton. 'I am not -worthy, Somers, even to walk in the footsteps of those holy men, who -are now purging the land of its sin and shame.'</p> - -<p>'You are worthy,' replied Somers, 'to have a rope fastened to your -neck, and to be swung from a gallows as high as Haman's. What a wretch -you are, Bolton, to see the innocent murdered around you, and exult in -their death!'</p> - -<p>'You must take care of your language, Somers, if you would save your -own neck; there is to be another hanging to-morrow, and when that is -over we shall want other victims; and your chance is getting to be a -fair one. Why, if Mr. Parris, or Mr. Noyes, had heard half what you -have said to me, you would be in prison this very night!'</p> - -<p>'As to my own chance, it will be hard business to hang me up; but no -thanks to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> you, Bolton, if it is not done to-morrow. You are under -a strange delusion, and I must allow something for that. You were a -good neighbor once, and I hope will be so again; but the time looks -very distant to me. I am down this afternoon to get the first chance -at Captain Ringbolt's assortment. Pistols, according to my way of -thinking, will be in good demand; and I want something to defend myself -with, and to put a shot or two into you, in case you should be an -informer. At any rate, I am determined to have a first-rate pair for -myself. You know I have some skill in the use of them. Will you go on -board?'</p> - -<p>'Not I,' said Bolton; 'I never go where pistols and powder are about, -except when I use them in the holy cause. I hope you will think no more -of what I said, Somers; you know I would not betray a friend.'</p> - -<p>'There is no telling what you may do in such times as these; but there -is little danger, so long as you are within reach of my pistol; beyond -that, I would not trust you an hour. By the way, Bolton, have you -no fears that Satan may carry you off, while you are hanging up his -subjects? I wonder he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> does not appear in their behalf. If I believed -as much as you do, I would not dare to stand guard over Miss Lyford.'</p> - -<p>'I have weapons to fight him that you know nothing of, Somers. I have -had some glimpses of him at twilight, but he saw me clothed in such -armor that he dared not approach. I once met this same Apollyon in the -day-time, but only a small part of his dragon form was visible; and -when I held up the holy gospels, he vanished into thin air.'</p> - -<p>'If you should be called to grapple with him in person,' returned -Somers, 'you would be more likely to make a treaty with him than to -show fight. I am not sure, but it would be well for you to see what -terms you can make with him; for I am well assured he will have his own -terms by and by, and carry you off;—not that you are worth even the -devil's acceptance, but because he is sent to look after such as you.'</p> - -<p>At that moment Captain Ringbolt landed, and Bolton walked off, not -exactly at his ease; for he knew that the honest and sturdy Somers was -a dangerous enemy to such characters as he knew himself to possess; -besides, it was time to resume his station as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> guard to Miss Lyford. 'I -shall be released to-morrow,' thought he, 'and then I will make peace -with Somers, and see if I cannot muster a little pity for the witch, -and this will be sure to win his favor.'</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Somers went on board the Water Witch with Captain Ringbolt, -and, entering the cabin, they conferred a short time, and soon settled -the plan of operations. The crew of the schooner were entirely ignorant -of Ringbolt's intended movements; and though a little suspicious that -the voyage to Salem was not exactly of a trading character, they were -so well trained and disciplined as perfectly to understand that nothing -was to be said, even among themselves; all they had to do was to obey -the orders of their superior.</p> - -<p>Captain Ringbolt sent up his usual notices, which were posted in the -streets, with an additional clause, stating that on account of the -great event, which he trusted all godly persons would wish to behold -on the morrow, he should not expose his goods for sale, till the day -after, when, at the usual time and place, a most valuable assortment -of articles, selected with great care, would be offered for sale.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> He -returned thanks for the patronage he had received in past times, and -assured the good people of Salem that no efforts would be wanting to -merit their confidence, and meet the wishes of the public.</p> - -<p>Somers walked away in sad contemplation on that state of things which -seemed to make one delusion necessary to counteract and dispel another, -which was far worse and more dangerous. But he was not quite satisfied -with himself, especially with the kind of deception he had practiced on -Bolton. The die, however, was cast. He implored pardon for the part he -now felt compelled to act, and while he believed the extremity of the -case, in the main, justified his course, yet it was so uncongenial to -his feelings, and so opposite to the whole tenor of his life, that he -was not a little disquieted by the scruples that oppressed him. He had -a wife and one child. They were his earthly solace and hope, and his -precautions, and those of Strale, had provided for their safety. For -himself, the result was uncertain, but every possible contingency was -guarded against, so far as human sagacity could foresee, or human skill provide.</p> - -<p>The twilight had now fallen on the village<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span> and its surrounding -scenes. The shadows deepened into uncommon gloom, as if Nature were -spreading a funeral pall for the dead, and mourning over her deluded -children and her own disregarded voice. Well might she sympathize in -the sad desolation around her! Her own mighty impulses of gratitude -and affection were silenced and suppressed by the mighty fabric of -fanaticism and delusion, which occupied the throne of the intellect -and the heart. Who shall assure us, that such scenes will never recur? -Where, in the weak and erring temper of man, do we find a guarantee -that bloodshed and crime, the fruit of other delusions, shall not again -desolate the land? Let us not boast of the dignity of Reason, the -victories of Science, and the golden age of taste and refinement. These -are often the soil in which the worst delusions spring up and cover the -land with a foliage so rank and poisonous, that the moral atmosphere is -filled with pestilence and death.</p> - -<p>As the evening advanced, the different agents in the events about to -take place, were all at their posts. Strale occupied the cottage of -Somers. Lyford was at Mr. <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>Ellerson's, Somers was in attendance upon -Strale, and the Water Witch, with furled sails, was resting quietly on -the bosom of the river, while her vigilant crew, with a double watch, -waited the orders of their master.</p> - -<p>It was late, the same night, when Trellison left Salem for Boston. His -subsequent reflections had determined him to see Governor Phipps, make -his confessions, and procure, if possible, a reprieve or pardon. In -case of failure in his application, he could return in season to make -his last effort at the scaffold. But new difficulties awaited him. Sir -William was absent from town, and would not return for several days. -There was no delegated authority to which application could be made, -and his lady, who at the hazard of her life once saved a condemned -individual, dared not and indeed could not interpose. The night was -spent in anxious consultations, and ended with the conviction that his -only chance of success was a public confession, and an appeal to the multitude.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER SIXTEENTH.</h2> - -<p>Harris, the jailer of Miss Lyford, we have before remarked, was -extremely superstitious. The other persons on guard were nearly as -much so as their superior. The characters of these men had been -thoroughly studied by Strale and his friends, and they were satisfied -an experiment might be made on their credulity and superstition, with -reasonable hope of success. The idea very generally prevailed, that -all who were active in the witch prosecutions were exposed to fiery -assaults from Satan. On this account, it was deemed a religious duty -to guard the prisoners with the greatest possible care, and the most -resolute men were selected for this purpose.</p> - -<p>The jailer was often apprehensive that Satan might appear in defence of -his <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>prisoners. He thought it very possible that a part of the compact -might be that they should be delivered in the moment of their greatest -peril. He often spoke of some probable encounter with the devil, -for it was hardly possible that so faithful a servant of God should -remain unmolested, while subverting the kingdom of Satan on earth. -In conversation with Bolton and his associates, he often warned them -to prepare for such an encounter, and told them of the best methods -to beat off the Serpent, should he be so bold as to attack them. -Harris thought his spiritual armor was impregnable, and his prowess -irresistible, and though as yet he had no opportunity of signalizing -his courage by a pitched battle with any of the demons around him, yet -he boasted of one or two skirmishes in which the Adversary, though he -shook his dragon head and gnashed his teeth, was finally glad to make -his retreat. The courageous jailer did not use his worldly weapons, but -he always confronted his enemy with passages of scripture, and, in the -last resort, employed the most powerful spiritual weapon which he said -never failed, and that was prayer. Harris was not much given to this -exercise, for its potency,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> he insisted, was weakened by too frequent -repetition; consequently, he kept this weapon for the last extremity, -and never employed it, when other expedients would answer.</p> - -<p>This view of Harris' character applied to Bolton and the other guards -of Miss Lyford, so far as superstition was concerned, but Harris was -quite their superior in other respects. He was powerful and bold, and -in grappling with flesh and blood, few men could stand before him; but -he was quite deceived in supposing himself a match for the imaginary -demons around him. No man was more likely to make good his retreat, if -he had occular demonstration of the presence of these mysterious beings.</p> - -<p>About ten o'clock in the evening, Lyford requested the privilege of -visiting his sister for the last time. He was rudely repulsed by Harris -and the guard, who said they were forbidden to admit any person on any -pretence whatever.</p> - -<p>'Hitherto,' said Lyford, 'you have permitted me to visit my afflicted -sister, and if she be guilty, and as much so as you allege, she is -still my sister, and nature pleads in her behalf. I trust you will -permit me to go in.' </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p> - -<p>'It is vain to ask,' said Harris; 'the permission you had from the -Governor has been revoked, and you cannot go in.'</p> - -<p>'Will you take no responsibility in the matter?' said Lyford, 'and let -me pass for the last time?'</p> - -<p>'None whatever,' was the reply. 'Our orders are positive, and we cannot -permit you to go in.'</p> - -<p>'Mr. Harris,' returned Lyford, 'you say my sister has made a compact -with Satan; if so, I trust he will appear in her behalf; for, bad as he -is, I would trust him for humanity sooner than such wretches as you. If -he possesses any power, I believe he will now exert it. I was informed -he was seen in the chamber of the sheriff last night, in a threatening -attitude, so that he was hardly able to proceed in his dreadful work -to-day. Moreover, I am told by others, that he is excited to uncommon -rage, and will not any longer tolerate the murder of his friends.'</p> - -<p>Harris seemed startled by these remarks, and as the night was -excessively dark, and the train of reflection which Lyford had awakened -was not the most agreeable, the jailer began to fortify his courage -by <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>repeating passages from the Bible, and calling upon the guard to -unite with him in this holy employment, assuring them that Satan would -not dare to appear in the face of such rebukes as the holy scriptures -contained.</p> - -<p>'Look,' said Bolton, 'see, Mr. Harris, what terrible shape is that -coming towards us?' The startled jailer cast his eyes in the direction -pointed out by Bolton, and he saw, gleaming through the shade, a -figure, which his terrified imagination instantly formed into that of a -dragon. From his horns, streams of fire were spouting, and a sound like -the hissing of a hundred serpents, rushed on the ear. A moment more, -and volumes of fire poured from his mouth, discovering by their light, -the hideous and distorted features of a demon, while with slow and -solemn pace he advanced towards the house.</p> - -<p>'Get thee behind me, Satan!' said the agitated Harris. He then looked -round for a moment, with a bewildered and uncertain gaze. Lyford had -disappeared; Bolton and his companions had fled like the wind. Harris -then closed his eyes, and fell on his knees, uttering a hurried and -tremulous prayer. Looking up again, the fearful apparition still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span> -advanced, and when in the light that was blazing all around, Harris -caught sight of his cloven foot, the unhappy jailer no longer doubted -that Satan in person was at hand, in behalf of Miss Lyford. The Bible -dropped from his hands, the voice of prayer died on his lips. Steel -and pistol were of no avail. No other weapon remained, and taking -to his heels, the unlucky Harris deserted his post, and fled like -a racer for his life, into the depths of the forest. Looking for a -moment from behind a tree, he saw the fiery dragon enter the house. -Then, redoubling his speed, he pushed on over bushes, fences and -brooks, until he plunged into a ditch, from which, after floundering -about for an hour, he made shift to get, weary and exhausted, upon -its neighboring bank. Even here he dared not open his eyes, lest the -terrible image, in its lurid flames, should once more haunt his vision; -but falling on his knees, he devoutly returned thanks, for the strength -he had received to flee from the destroyer.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, the faithful Somers rushed into the house, and with a single -stroke of his axe, broke in the door of Miss Lyford's chamber, and then -bearing her down stairs, he placed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> her in a wagon, which had been -provided at a little distance, for the occasion. Walter having divested -himself of his dragon's dress, left the horns, the cloven foot and -the black robe in the jailer's room, and with Lyford, hastened to the -beach, where Somers and Mary had already arrived, and in a few moments, -they were all safely on board the Water Witch. The wife and child of -Somers had been sent on board, early in the evening, and when the next -morning dawned, they were ten leagues from Salem harbor, on their way -to Virginia.</p> - -<p>The scheme which had been so completely successful was entirely -the invention of Strale; its details were arranged with the utmost -precision and care, and it was executed with an admirable degree of -coolness and skill. Gunpowder in its various adaptations produced the -fire. The burning of tobacco caused the smoke, which seemed to proceed -from his breath. His face blackened and disfigured, a black gown thrown -over his shoulders, and leather sandals in the form of cloven feet, -completed the disguise.</p> - -<p>It was not surprising that a device, which in ordinary circumstances -would have been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> equally foolish and hopeless, should be, in the -present state of public feeling, perfectly adapted to its end. It was -then supposed that visible appearances from the world of spirits were -not uncommon, and the disordered fancies of men created innumerable -apparitions and shapes of evil, which the senses gifted with -supernatural acuteness, were enabled to discern among the grosser forms -of the material world.</p> - -<p>The chronicle we have consulted does not reveal the process by which -the mode of Miss Lyford's escape was concealed from the public eye. Yet -it contains some hints on this point which are reserved for our next -chapter, and it also intimates that many secrets were kept by the men -in power, which, had they been disclosed, would have covered the actors -in these tragedies with confusion and shame, and finished at once the -work of persecution and death.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH.</h2> - -<p>The morning dawned with a most welcome radiance upon the haggard -and exhausted Harris, as he lay on the bank of a muddy brook, from -which, after his desperate efforts in the ditch, he had no strength to -retreat. But he soon felt the refreshing influence of the morning air, -and as he cast his eye over the different and well-known objects around -him, his scattered senses began to return and his courage to revive. He -saw in the miserable plight of his dress and the bruises on his limbs -that he had been foiled in his great battle with the adversary; but he -hoped that after all Satan had been so much annoyed by his prayers and -quotations, that he had fled out of the region. He dared not, however, -venture back into the house, until he saw Bolton coming towards him, -who having fled at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> the first onset, was not so stupified with terror -as his friend Harris. Bolton, however, looked as if he had passed a -comfortless night. He had been separated from the other guards, who -had sought their own safety, and at last found shelter in a cottage, -distant from town, where he remained till morning.</p> - -<p>'How came you, Bolton, to leave me to fight the battle alone?' -exclaimed Harris.</p> - -<p>'Because, I am no match for the devil,' said Bolton; 'and you, -Harris—did you stand your ground?'</p> - -<p>'Stand it? Yes, long after you had left it, and it was not till the -monster was directly upon me, that I began to retreat.'</p> - -<p>'Retreat! you retreat?' said Bolton; 'why, you said the devil would -flee at the first word you uttered. I am afraid, Harris, you are not so -much of a saint as you thought.'</p> - -<p>'Saint!' replied the indignant Harris, 'it would take an army of saints -to drive off such a dragon as he who assaulted me. I tell you, Bolton, -if I had not been a saint I should have been consumed by the flames -that surrounded me. But thank God, I was delivered out of the mouth of -the lion!'</p> - -<p>'Shall we venture into the house?' said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> Bolton; 'it is now clear -daylight, and as dragons are abroad only in the night, I think we may -go in with safety.'</p> - -<p>'I will go,' said Harris; 'my courage revives, and methinks I could -even face the dragon again. Oh! Bolton, it is a great thing to have a -good conscience!'</p> - -<p>'It is a better thing, so far as safety is concerned, to have nimble -feet,' replied Bolton. 'I believe you and I, Harris, must trust more to -these than to any special friendship with conscience.'</p> - -<p>'We are both sinners, Bolton, and saints too, I hope,' said Harris; -'but look, every thing seems natural about the house; there is no mark -of fire or brimstone. I have faith to believe that last prayer of mine -was not fruitless.'</p> - -<p>As the jailer uttered this, they entered the door, and the first -objects they saw were the horns, cloak and appurtenances of Strale. -A note was seen on the table, and Harris hastily opening it, read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote><p>'The bird has flown. Faithful guards, what account will ye give -of your stewardship? Thanks to your superstition and folly, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> -have given us that, which we sought in vain from your sense of -justice and humanity. The wicked flee when no man pursueth. If ye -tremble and flee before the painted symbol of Satan, what will ye -do when you meet the arch Enemy face to face?</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">Walter Strale.</span>'</p></blockquote> - -<p>'So then we have run away from a shadow, and the devil was this Walter -Strale! I thought the scoundrel was in Boston, and had given up the -witch. I would as soon be hung myself, as have this thing known.'</p> - -<p>'But it must be known,' said Bolton; 'how else can we give account of -the lady's escape? We must see the magistrates, tell them the facts, -and take their advice.'</p> - -<p>'There is no other way,' returned Harris; 'it is a dreadful -alternative, but I hardly think they will wish to betray us on their -own account; it would cover them with disgrace as well as us.'</p> - -<p>So saying, they proceeded to the house of one of the magistrates, -who called in the sheriff and one of his assistants. After a full -conference, they decided to report that the escape of Miss Lyford was -effected by <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span>violence. The injury done to the door would support this -view of the case, and the absence of Strale and Lyford, and the sudden -departure of the Water Witch would furnish a plausible story, and allay -the anger of the populace.</p> - -<p>It was now eleven o'clock, and the population of Salem and its -neighborhood, near and remote, were assembled on the hill, to -witness another act in the tragedies of the times. The scaffold was -overshadowed by a tree, whose graceful figure and verdant branches had -long attracted the youth and maidens of the vicinity in their summer -rambles, and under its pleasant shade, many a whisper of affection and -many a secret of innocence and love, had been breathed to willing ears -and confiding hearts.</p> - -<p>Near this spot stood the unhappy Trellison; around and before him, and -stretching away to the base of the hill, a silent and solemn multitude -were waiting the arrival of the officers of the law and their hapless -victim. On his right, the beautiful town was reposing in the brightness -and calm of a clear summer day; but to the eye of man, a strange and -startling gloom had fallen upon a scene, which up to this fatal period, -had been radiant in the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>fairest forms of beauty and loveliness. One -spot only riveted the gaze of Trellison, and as his eye explored the -shaded avenue, along which the sad procession must pass, the ashy -paleness of his victim's countenance, the neglected ringlets that once -with magic power had played upon her neck of spotless white, and the -slender figure whose graceful proportions had charmed every beholder, -completely filled his imagination, and threw over his face the gloom of -despair. The heavy moments rolled on, and at length the hour of twelve -was announced by the under sheriff, while neither officer nor prisoner -appeared. A beam of hope now lighted the eye of Trellison; he knew some -unseen power had suspended or averted the fatal sentence, and with -unutterable emotions, he saw the sheriff at last ascend the platform to -explain the mysterious absence of the prisoner. The multitude gathered -around, while the officer declared, as he said, with grief and shame -inexpressible, that Miss Lyford had been withdrawn by violence; that -Ringbolt and the crew of the Water Witch, in concert with Strale, had -effected by stratagem and force, the escape of the criminal, and thus -the law was defrauded of its <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>demands, and the majesty of Heaven of a -sacrifice, which would have done much to vindicate its insulted honor, -and defeat the machinations of the devil. The people were exhorted to -go home, and if any of them felt encouraged in the practice of these -wicked arts, by the escape of Miss Lyford, they might be assured the -law would not relax its demands, nor the officers of justice their -vigilance, but the land must, at all hazards, be purged of Satan and -his devices. They were also charged to pray that the mischievous -and wicked maiden who had escaped, might be overtaken by the Divine -vengeance, and punished for her sorceries.</p> - -<p>At that moment, Trellison mounted the scaffold. His face, which till -now had worn the livid hue of death, was covered by the flush of -emotion. Every eye in that immense assemblage was fixed upon him. As he -flung off his cap and threw back his disordered hair, he seemed moved -by an impulse little less than divine. In a few moments his aspect -became composed, and in a calm and clear voice he gave utterance to the -feelings which moved his inmost soul.</p> - -<p>'Heaven, to-day, has interposed,' said this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> master of the assembly, -'and spared the innocent blood. Why slept thy thunders, oh Jehovah! -when the dire machination entered my heart? when I cursed the innocent -victim and laid snares for her life? Thou didst turn back upon my soul -a tide of guilt and horror, which would have drowned me in destruction -and perdition, and now thou hast checked its rage, and given me space -to proclaim the innocence of that victim, whom thou hast this day -saved from the altar of Moloch. Hear me, magistrates and men, and ye -ministers of an insulted God! hear me, old age, middle life and youth! -I proclaim in your ears that the maiden who has this day escaped -death, was guiltless of the crime for which she was condemned to die! -Deceived by my own heart, mistaking the bitter passion of revenge for -zeal in the service of my Maker, it was this hand that brought down the -threatened ruin upon that child of innocence and love. The fetters that -bound me in delusion and shame are broken for ever. But who shall wash -our guilty hands from the blood we have shed? Who shall reanimate the -cold forms that but yesterday lived and breathed in our midst? Here, -from this fatal hill, shall go down a memorial<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> through all departing -generations, which shall brand us for ever. The winds that sweep over -these valleys and rocks shall testify against us. Yonder tree, riven -by lightning, and blasted to its very roots, shall testify against us. -This mount of offence, on which we now stand, shall testify against us. -For me, I go from this place, to solitude, penitence and prayer. Go you -to the like solemn offices, and bless your Maker, as I do, that this -vial of wrath has been stayed. Hold back your hands from blood; already -it cries for vengeance from the ground. Be grateful, as I am, that we -are not yet pursued by his avenging hand, or smitten by the thunders of -his wrath.'</p> - -<p>The speaker descended from the scaffold. As he passed through the -spell-bound and awe-struck multitude, no one molested him. He lingered -for a moment on the edge of the forest, and then waving his hand, as if -he would again impress the solemn truths he had uttered, on the minds -of the audience, he disappeared among the tress. An unbroken silence -reigned for a few moments through all that vast assembly, and the -first words that were spoken, were an expression of thankfulness that -the innocent maiden had escaped;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> but the solemn impressions of the -day failed to arrest the mighty torrent of superstition that was now -rushing over the land. There were not wanting those who attributed this -change in Trellison to the power of her magic arts. This belief gained -ground, as Trellison was never more seen in public, and his retreat was -undiscovered and unknown. The delusion still prevailed; other scenes of -blood were witnessed; and history, faithful to its trust, has branded -that age and its men of power and influence with an infamy which must -abide upon them for ever.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH.</h2> - -<p>The Water Witch glided on her way with fine breezes and in gallant -trim, as if conscious of her beauty and the charm she spread over the -waters. In truth, this gem of the ocean was a sort of idol with Capt. -Ringbolt, who declared he could never survive her loss. He insisted -that her like had never before floated on the sea, and that when her -day of service was over, old Neptune would give her a tomb in some -bed of coral and pearls, and send up a pillar of foam in perpetual -commemoration of this graceful jewel in his crown. Her passengers, -however, were occupied with far graver thoughts. The first interview -between Strale and Mary was too simple and impressive to be here -described. It is enough to say, that a remembrance of the dangers and -distresses of the last few months, while it bound them<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> to each other -by the strongest ties, led them also to united and devout thanksgivings -to that divine Being who had preserved them through all.</p> - -<p>The voyage to Virginia was soon accomplished. Capt. Ringbolt, whose -kind offices were so essential to the safety of Miss Lyford, and -without whose agency the project for her deliverance must have failed, -was well rewarded for his services. It is but just to say, however, -that his humanity and generosity prompted him to assist in the -undertaking without any stipulated recompense. He had no fear that -his trade would be essentially disturbed, as he was confident a state -of things so unnatural must soon pass away. Yet for a time he thought -it prudent to keep up his traffic along the southern coast, where his -business might still be prosecuted with success.</p> - -<p>A few days after the arrival of the party at Virginia, they found -a vessel for England, in which they determined to embark. Having -established Somers in a small house, and furnished him with means to -cultivate a good farm, Walter and Lyford, with Mary, sailed for Europe. -The voyage was prosperous,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> and in two months from their embarkation -they reached the shores of France, and soon entered its gay metropolis, -where in the family of Mr. Strale, Mary Lyford found the affection of -parents, and gave in return the love and gratitude of a child. All -the scenes of their past history were related by Walter, and in a few -weeks, with the full consent of his parents, he led Mary to the nuptial -altar. Their happiness was now complete. Years of love and tranquillity -glided away, untarnished by the lapse of time, consecrated by a visible -communion with God, and the life of christian faith.</p> - -<p>The same enlightened and devoted piety which resisted the force of -the wildest superstition, was equally victorious over the gayeties -and follies of Paris. They were placed in circumstances where the -attractions of the world, its distinctions and honors, were freely -offered them; but they chose to live as pilgrims and strangers on the -earth, looking for a better country, even a heavenly. After a few -years' residence in Paris, they removed to Bremen, the original home -of Mr. Strale, where Walter, highly distinguished for his literary -character, filled one of the most <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>important civil offices, and -diffused around him the best influences of the christian faith, adorned -and supported by a truly christian example.</p> - -<p>Mr. Lyford returned to New England. He loved the land of the pilgrims; -and notwithstanding its follies and crimes, it was still the home of -his heart. He had seen among the friends of his sister one whom his -judgment not less than his fancy recommended to his affections. It -was his first, his long cherished, and ever constant love. On his -arrival at Virginia he addressed a letter to Miss Elliott, in which he -disclosed his attachment, and begged she would reciprocate a love which -could be none but hers. This communication was not wholly unexpected; -for their early sympathies, and the high esteem in which Lyford had -ever been held, had long before this awakened responsive affection in -her own heart. Soon after, he appeared in Boston, and was united in -marriage to one who was the pride of her family, and whose charms of -person and manners were only excelled by those of Miss Lyford.</p> - -<p>It was one of the first objects of Lyford on his return to New England, -to seek the <span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>unhappy Trellison, and convey to him the free forgiveness -of his sister, and her sincere desires for his usefulness and happiness -here and hereafter. He was particularly charged by Mary to perform this -act of christian charity; for the letter of Trellison, which she read -on board the Water Witch, made a deep impression on her mind. She well -knew the gloomy fanaticism of his temper, and was anxious to mitigate -as far as possible, the anguish and horror which had overwhelmed him. -Bitterness and revenge had no abode in the bosom of Miss Lyford; and -though she had previously written to Trellison and assured him of her -forgiveness, she was not satisfied till she could know from her brother -that her message had been communicated.</p> - -<p>Lyford had much difficulty in ascertaining the residence of Trellison. -He found him at last in a remote settlement, where he was devoting his -time to the instruction of children, and exerting the best influence -in the very small and scattered community in which he lived. They -conversed together of the scenes through which they had passed; in -which Trellison declared that so far as he was an actor, he could never -forgive himself; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> his only hope of pardon from Heaven was founded -on the assurance of forgiveness to the chief of sinners.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>The ancient chronicle from which we have sketched these pictures -here drops its curtain. We find no further traces of the different -individuals whose characters and doings have flitted like a dream -before our minds. But their history shadows forth their destiny; and we -may trace its brighter or darker lines, by the characters in which they -have been seen.</p> - -<p>That memorable tree under which these deeds of terror were done, was -then in its greenness and beauty. Not long after, and it literally -fulfilled the prophetic intimation of Trellison. "Smitten, as was -supposed by lightning, it withered away, and stood for years with -leafless, outstretched arms, and sapless trunk, until burned to the -ground, by the descendants of the third and fourth generation of those -who suffered under it. In superstitious minds, tempests and torrents -could not wash away the blood from the unhallowed hill whereon it grew, -and the soil was cursed and barren of wholesome vegetation."<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> </p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span></p> - -<p>True Religion acknowledges no affinity with superstition. She has -indeed suffered from the artificial bonds in which skepticism has -entwined them; but if her robes have been soiled and her countenance -marred by the unnatural position she is thus compelled to occupy, her -voice of charity and accents of love still proclaim her divine, and she -will always come forth with renovated beauty, and offer to man the best -antidote against superstition, and his only true happiness for time and -eternity.</p> - -<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTE:</h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> 'Historical Letters,' by <span class="smcap">A. Cushing</span>, Esq.</p></div></div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Salem Belle: A Tale of 1692, by -Ebenezer Wheelwright - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SALEM BELLE: A TALE OF 1692 *** - -***** This file should be named 63957-h.htm or 63957-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/3/9/5/63957/ - -Produced by Mary Glenn Krause, Charlene Taylor, Martin -Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive/American -Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/63957-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/63957-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cbdd0a1..0000000 --- a/old/63957-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63957-h/images/front.jpg b/old/63957-h/images/front.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 76ae0e6..0000000 --- a/old/63957-h/images/front.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/63957-h/images/titlepage.jpg b/old/63957-h/images/titlepage.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ba507b1..0000000 --- a/old/63957-h/images/titlepage.jpg +++ /dev/null |
